Emergency access

Heavy vehicle access across flood areas

Where possible operators should avoid travelling in impacted zones. If travel is required, be aware of local emergency access arrangements. Heavy vehicle operators should take the following steps when accessing flood-affected areas.

1. Check the local road conditions through state road manager websites. A list of websites with the latest information about road conditions can be found below.
2. If travelling in an affected area, check with local emergency services or recovery operations.
3. Ensure your vehicle is able to travel on the existing network. If you’re travelling outside of these networks, you may need to obtain a permit through the NHVR Portal or call 13 NHVR (13 64 87) for assistance. Avoid using back tracks or off-network roads to get around road closures.

Traffic maps

You can find up-to-date traffic maps for each state at the links below:

• ACT - https://www.cityservices.act.gov.au/roads-and-paths/act_public_road_closures
• NSW - https://www.livetraffic.com/
• QLD - https://qldtraffic.qld.gov.au/index.html or the Heavy Vehicle Restriction Report
• SA - https://www.traffic.sa.gov.au/
• TAS - https://www.transport.tas.gov.au/roadworks/roadworks_map
• VIC - https://traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au/
• WA - https://travelmap.mainroads.wa.gov.au/

Directions by authorised officers in an emergency

An Authorised Officer may direct a heavy vehicle during an emergency. If an Authorised Officer has provided you with a direction or instruction, you must follow it.

For the purpose of an emergency direction, an Authorised Officer is:

• employed by the NHVR to carry out compliance or enforcement; or
• an employee of a state or territory department; and be appointed by the Minister or Secretary to carry out a compliance or enforcement function under state or territory legislation administered by that department.

Examples:  Police Officer, Firefighter, NHVR Compliance Officers, etc.

NHVR emergency contact

If an emergency or recovery operations have interfered with your ability to lodge an application, please contact the NHVR by calling 13 NHVR (13 64 87) to obtain the required oral or in writing exemption.

During business hours

Calling during business hours (7am-5pm AEST) will connect you to the NHVR Contact Centre. Once connected please inform the Contact Centre Officer of the emergency and ask to speak with the Access Manager. 

Outside of business hours

Calling outside of business hours you can connect to an Access team member’s phone. Please note: This outside of business hours option is for emergencies only.

Do I need an access permit in an emergency?

In an emergency, under s197 of the HVNL the NHVR may issue an exemption allowing heavy vehicle access either verbally or in writing. An exemption under s197 is not a regular permit but acts like one for the purposes of the emergency.

In some circumstances, state and territory road authorities and some other agencies are delegated to provide an emergency exemption under s197 on behalf of the NHVR.