IAP for High Risk Mobile Cranes FAQs

From 5 October 2011 all mobile cranes defined as high risk must be enrolled in the IAP as a condition of access to approved roads in NSW. This includes mobile cranes registered in NSW and in other States and Territories if they wish to travel on NSW roads. The policy about which mobile cranes should enrol in IAP has been made on the basis of the risk they pose to:

public safety, including the impact on other road users
road infrastructure wear, including pavement wear as well as a risk to vulnerable assets such as tunnels and bridges, and
public amenity, including traffic congestion.

The risk posed by an individual mobile crane, or categories of mobile cranes, depends on a crane’s size and mass:

Size is made up of a crane’s dimensions, which include its height, width, length, forward projection and rear overhang.
Mass is made up of a crane’s total mass, the individual axle masses and load distribution (tyre width, axle spacings).

The following cranes are defined as high risk:

All cranes wider than 2.5 metres
All cranes 2.5 metres wide or less that exceed the mass limits detailed in the Class 1 Special Purpose Vehicle Notice 2011
All cranes with a forward projection exceeding 5.5 metres

Note: Two axle ‘Pick and Carry’ cranes that are 2.5 metres wide or less with axle masses above 10 tonnes but which do not exceed 12 tonnes will not require IAP but will still be required to carry and Overmass Permit.

All cranes wider than 2.5m: Cranes wider than 2.5m exceed the width dimension permitted for general access to the road network. As such, they are Restricted Access Vehicles and their travel is governed by the Notice and, in some cases, specific permits (depending on a vehicle’s width, mass, length and height). Enrolment in the IAP is mandatory for these cranes.

All cranes 2.5 metres wide or less that exceed the mass limits detailed in the Class 1 Special Purpose Vehicle Notice 2011. Mobile cranes that ordinarily travel under the Notice and only apply for a specific Journey permit (for a specific journey) are not required to enrol in IAP. These cranes will continue to require a ‘journey’ permit to travel.

All cranes with a forward projection exceeding 5.5 metres:
Cranes with a forward projection exceeding 5.5m have been defined as higher risk and will require monitoring by IAP to travel. Forward projection is measured from the centre of the steering wheel to the most forward point of the vehicle.

Note: ‘Pick and carry’ cranes with a forward projection exceeding 3.5m but no greater than 5.5 metres will still require an oversize specific permit to access any road or road related area but will not require IAP.

2. When must I enrol my mobile crane in the IAP?

From 5 October 2011 all high risk mobile cranes must be enrolled in the IAP as a condition of access to approved roads in NSW.

3. What will the IAP cost me?

Prices for IAP services are set by the individual IAP Service Providers and you should contact them to negotiate a price. A list of IAP Service Providers can be found at www.iap.gov.au

Note: Existing permit fee may still apply.

4. Where can I access the IAP mobile crane network maps for NSW?

Five networks are defined for mobile cranes to accommodate the range of crane configurations most commonly used.
The five levels of networks with the typical mobile crane configuration used to prepare these networks are:

Networks	Sample mobile crane configuration
SPV Level 1 / SPV Level 1 and UAC	Cranes complying with the requirements of Class 1 Special Purpose Vehicle Notice 2011 (up to 40 tonnes Gross Mass) may access this network.

SPV Level 2	This map has been based on the following: (1) Axle width is 3.1m (2) Tyre size is 508mm (3) Up to 70 tonnes Gross Mass (4) All cranes are limited to travel only along the centreline of the carriageway of the bridge at a steady speed not exceeding 10km/hr.

SPV Level 3 / SPV Level 3 and UAC	This map has been based on the following: (1) 3 axle All Terrain Crane - axle width is 2.7m, tyre size is 508mm, up to 32.25 tonnes Gross Mass (2) 4 axle All Terrain Crane - axle width is 2.7m, tyre size is 508mm, up to 43 tonnes Gross Mass (3) All cranes may travel on any lane of the bridge at a steady speed not exceeding 40km/hr.

SPV Level 4 / SPV Level 4 and UAC	This map has been based on the following: (1) 3 axle All Terrain Crane - axle width is 2.7m, tyre size is 508mm and up to 34.5 tonnes Gross Mass (2) 4 axle All Terrain Crane - axle width is 2.7m, tyre size is 508mm and up to 45.8 tonnes Gross Mass (3) 5 axle All Terrain Crane - axle width is 2.7m, tyre size is 406mm and up to 48 tonnes Gross Mass (4) All cranes may travel on any lane of the bridge at a steady speed not exceeding 40km/hr.

SPV Level 4 and 12t axle / SPV Level 4 and 12t axle and UAC	This map has been based on the following: (1) 3 axle All Terrain Crane - axle width is 2.7m, tyre size is 508mm and up to 36 tonnes Gross Mass (2) 4 axle All Terrain Crane - axle width is 2.7m, tyre size is 508mm and up to 48 tonnes Gross Mass (3) 5 axle All Terrain Crane - axle width is 2.7m, tyre size is 508mm and up to 50 tonnes Gross Mass (4) All cranes may travel on any lane of the bridge at a steady speed not exceeding 40km/hr.

IAP maps for high risk mobile cranes are located on Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) website www.rta.nsw.gov.au/iapmaps.
Each network maps provide details of approved roads and bridge restrictions for that level.

5. What happens if my crane travels interstate?

The IAP for mobile cranes is already operational in Victoria and Queensland. If your crane is also required to be monitored by the IAP in another state you wish to travel to, you will need to contact that state and arrange for an Intelligent Access Condition for that state and provide this information to your IAP Service Provider. For further information about the IAP please visit www.iap.gov.au

Victoria
For information about the classes of cranes that are required to participate in the IAP in Victoria visit http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/Moreinfoandservices/HeavyVehicles/VehicleManagementAndSafety/IntelligentAccessProgram/Mobilecranes.htm

Queensland
For information about the IAP in Queensland visit http://tmr.qld.gov.au/Business-and-industry/Heavy-vehicles/Compliance-and-enforcement/Intelligent-Access-Program.aspx

6. What do these changes mean for cranes currently enrolled in the Mobile Crane Concessional Benefit Scheme (MCCBS)?

The MCCBS was introduced as a precursor to the IAP, with the intention that it would eventually be superseded by the IAP. This has been communicated to industry over a number of years. As the MCCBS pre-dates the introduction of the IAP, the GPS tracking device currently used for the MCCBS will not be able to be used by cranes enrolling in the IAP. This means that cranes previously enrolled in the MCCBS will need to enrol in the IAP and have a new IAP certified In-Vehicle Unit installed.
From 5 October 2011 it will be mandatory for all high risk mobile cranes to be enrolled in the IAP. The Urban Access Concession (UAC) replaces MCCBS from 5 October 2011.

To apply for the UAC, you must provide recent written confirmation of the width and length of your crane(s) from Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority). For cranes registered in NSW, your Special Purpose Vehicle Exemption/ Approval dated after 1 March 2011 or Vehicle Dimension Certificate (VDC) will be sufficient confirmation. If you have a Special Purpose Vehicle Approval dated before 1 March 2011 please contact Technical Enquires on 1300 137 302 to arrange measurement for a VDC.

For cranes registered interstate, your registering authority’s approval (stating width and length) will be sufficient confirmation. This measurement confirmation must be provided as a supporting document with your IAP application to be eligible for consideration for this concession.

7. How do I enrol my crane in the IAP?

You can enrol their mobile cranes in the IAP online via Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) website at www.rta.nsw.gov.au/iap or by selecting Heavy Vehicles>Intelligent Access Program>Enrol now on Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) website.

Note: Part of the application process requires you to download the “Application Details Form” (located under the heading of Add Documents in the New Application screen of the IAP online enrolment application) and return the completed form to Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) with the other required supporting documents.

8. How will Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) manage non compliance?

When a mobile crane enrolled in the IAP is not compliant with its access conditions, that is, it travels on a non approved road or at the wrong time or on a restricted bridge, a non compliance report will be sent by the IAP Service Provider to Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority). A non compliance report does not automatically mean an offence has occurred.

Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) will review non compliant events and use this information to identify areas of non compliance to crane operators to assist them to become compliant on NSW roads. The IAP is a new compliance and asset sustainability management tool and introduces new methods of compliance assurance. The initial focus of Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) will be on assisting operators with mobile cranes enrolled in the IAP to comply with the requirements of the Program. Traditional on road enforcement will still be in operation.

9. Can my crane travel on local council roads once it is enrolled in IAP?

A high risk mobile crane is assigned a network to travel on depending on attributes such as dimensions and weight. The network for certain types of mobile cranes are available on Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) website and are approved by road managers. Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) has assessed all state roads for the suitability of varying types of high risk mobile cranes.

Local councils are the road managers for local roads. You will need to seek approval to travel on their roads. This has been the process prior to the introduction of the IAP and the status quo remains.

However, as part of the IAP initiative, Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) will work with local councils to obtain information on roads and structures they would like Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) to monitor. If a high risk mobile crane wants to travel on a local road, consent must be obtained from that road manager before travel can commence over that road or structure.

10. What do I need to stand and operate on a local road/work site?

You will need to contact the applicable road manager or controlling authority to obtain permission to travel and standards to operate on the road. These may be Local Councils, Railway Operators and Waterway.

11. What if I want to operate my crane on a Limited Access Location or Zone?

For access to a Limited Access Location or Zone, you will need to complete an “Application and Guidelines for Class 1 Mobile Crane Journey Permit” (Form 1550) available at Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) website.

Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) will assess your application and determine if a specific journey permit can be issued. It should be noted that Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) will contact you if a route investigation will need to be carried out at your cost.

12. What if the IAP network for my crane does not include the same access my current permit allows?

Routes previously approved in your permit but not on your allocated IAP mobile crane network may be listed on either a Class 1 permit or the IAP Mobile Crane permit as approved for travel following further investigation.

For more information about your crane, please contact Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) Intelligent Access Unit on 1300 364 847 or email Intelligent_Access_Program@rta.nsw.gov.au

13. How do I register my mobile crane in NSW?

To register a mobile crane in NSW, a completed “Application to Register a Special Purpose Vehicle which does not comply with Construction Regulations” (Form 335), verified and signed by an Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) Inspector (Vehicle Regulations), must be sent to the Manager, Heavy Vehicle Safety & Standards (HVSS), Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority), Locked Bag 928, North Sydney NSW 2059.

You will receive a letter from HVSS either confirming approval or non approval to register the vehicle. Approved applications will be issued with an approval/exemption number.
When you attend a motor registry you will need to produce the following documents:

Approval/Exemption letter from the Manager, HVSS and all other relevant documents requested in the letter;
Proof of Identity;
Proof of Acquisition;
Completed Application for Registration form;
Completed Description of Heavy Vehicle form.

Note: If you are importing a non-complying mobile crane from overseas, please contact HVSS on (02) 9218 6888 to gain approval in principle before you purchase the crane.

14. What Notice or Permit do I need to carry with my crane enrolled in the IAP?

You must carry the following documents with your crane that is enrolled in the IAP:

A copy of the Class 1 Special Purpose Vehicle Notice 2011;
Class 1 Permit Conditions: Special Purpose Vehicles document;
IAP Mobile Crane Permit or a Certificate of Enrolment.

These documents must be produced when requested to do so by a Police Officer or an Authorised Officer.

15. What is the difference between an IAP Mobile Crane Permit and an IAP Certificate of Enrolment?

All high risk mobile cranes require an IAP Mobile Crane Permit. The only exception is when a crane is wider than 2.5 metres and within the mass limits outlined in the Class 1 Special Purpose Vehicle Notice 2011, in this event, an IAP Certificate of Enrolment is issued.

16. What is an alternate configuration journey permit?

A mobile crane enrolled and participating in Roads and Maritime Services' (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) Intelligent Access Program (IAP) in NSW can apply for a Class 1 Mobile Crane Alternate Configuration Journey Permit.

Class 1 Mobile Crane Alternate Configuration Journey Permit application.

This permit allows a mobile crane to travel temporarily at a mass which vary from the approved mass described in the IAP Mobile Crane Permit and the Special Purpose Vehicle Approval or Special Purpose Vehicle Exemption. An alternate configuration journey permit application must include a certified weigh bridge ticket to verify that the mass has been reduced predated to a maximum of three days before the application is submitted.

If the application is approved a self declaration of the mobile crane alternate configuration journey permit number is required in the comments section of the Self Declaration Input Device (SDID) for each movement of the mobile crane under this permit. The maximum period for which an alternate configuration journey permit will be issued is 14 days.

17. If I am coming into NSW what do I need to do?

Ensure that you have the appropriate permits to travel in NSW - including enrolment in IAP in NSW if your crane falls within the high risk category.

18. Can I operate at 12 tonne per axle on 16 inch tyres?

Travel in NSW on 16 inch tyres (406mm) where the axle has only 2 tyres is currently limited to a maximum of 10 tonne/axle. Operation at 12 tonne/axle currently requires a minimum of 20 inch tyres (508mm) where the axle only has 2 tyres.

19. What is an IAP Certificate of Enrolment and when do I need one?

20. What type of Mobile Crane can apply for a Class 1 Mobile Crane Alternate Journey Permit?

Any mobile crane which is enrolled in IAP in NSW can apply for a Class 1 Mobile Crane alternate journey permit.