Mobile cranes with masses and dimensions outside the statutory limits (e.g. height 4.6 metres, width 2.5 metres, length 12.5 metres) may gain access on New South Wales roads through:
- The current Class 1 Special Purpose Vehicle Notice
- An IAP Certificate of Enrolment or IAP Mobile Crane Permit
- A specific permit
Mobile cranes access under the current Class 1 Special Purpose Vehicle Notice
Mobile cranes within specified dimension limits can travel in the NSW Urban Zone and the NSW Regional Zone under the current Class 1 Special Purpose Vehicle Notice. To operate under this Notice the driver must satisfy the requirements of the Notice including carrying a copy of the Notice in the vehicle.
Mobile cranes that require Intelligent Access Program (IAP)
Since 5 October 2011 all high risk mobile cranes must be enrolled in the IAP as a condition of access to approved roads in NSW. This includes mobile cranes registered in NSW, as well as those registered in other States or Territories who may wish to use NSW roads.
High risk mobile cranes are any cranes that are wider than 2.5 metres, any cranes that are 2.5 metres wide or less that exceed the mass limits outlined in the current Class 1 Special Purpose Vehicle Notice or any 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 an Overmass Permit.
When a mobile crane is fully enrolled in IAP, Roads and Maritime Services will issue an IAP Certificate of Enrolment or IAP Mobile Crane Permit.
Since 5 October 2011 high risk mobile cranes not enrolled in IAP and travelling on NSW roads will risk being breached under the Road Transport (General) Act 2005 and Road Transport (Mass, Loading and Access) Regulation 2005 and fines apply with potential court action.
Five networks are defined for mobile cranes to accommodate the range of crane configurations most commonly used. Each network maps provide details of approved roads and bridge restrictions for that level.
(i) Urban Access Concession (UAC)
The UAC provides improved access in the NSW Urban Zone during peak hour. Cranes that are enrolling or enrolled in the IAP and are between 2.5 and 2.9 metres wide and comply with the other maximum overall dimension limits for mobile cranes stated in the current Class 1 Special Purpose Vehicle Notice will be eligible to apply for the UAC. Refer to the UAC fact sheet for further information.
Mobile cranes operating under the UAC must comply with all route restrictions (unless otherwise exempted) contained in the current Class 1 Special Purpose Vehicle Notice and any related permits issued to the crane.
(ii) Urban Peak hour Concession (UPC)
The UPC provides improved access for cranes that exceed the 3.5 metres forward projection dimension limit stated in the current Class 1 Special Purpose Vehicle Notice.
The UPC is similar in operation to the UAC for mobile cranes except it applies to different mobile crane vehicle dimensions and does not allow access to restricted tunnels.
Cranes that do not exceed 2.9 metres wide with a forward projection greater than 3.5 metres but not exceeding 5.5 metres, do not exceed 10.5 metres in length and comply with the other maximum overall dimension limits for mobile cranes stated in the current Class 1 Special Purpose Vehicle Notice are eligible to apply for the UPC. Refer to the UPC fact sheet for further information.
Note: The length of the crane includes the forward projection and rear overhang.
Mobile cranes operating under the UPC must comply with all route restrictions (unless otherwise exempted) contained in the current Class 1 Special Purpose Vehicle Notice and any related permits issued to the crane.
(iii) Class 1 IAP Mobile Crane Alternate Configuration Journey Permit
From 30 November 2012, an all-terrain mobile crane enrolled and participating in IAP in NSW can apply for a Class 1 IAP Mobile Crane Alternate Configuration Journey Permit. This permit allows a mobile crane to obtain route access by travelling temporarily at a mass which varies from the approved mass described in the IAP Mobile Crane Permit and the Special Purpose Vehicle Approval or Special Purpose Vehicle Exemption. An in principle approval to use the route being sought is required prior to lodging a completed application. This can be obtained by contacting the Intelligent Access Unit on 1300 364 847 or iap@rms.nsw.gov.au. A certified weigh bridge ticket, pre-dated to a maximum of three days prior to the date the application is received by RMS, must be included to verify that the mass has been reduced. The maximum permit period for which a Mobile Crane Alternate Configuration Journey Permit will be issued is 14 days.
Further information can be obtained by contacting the Intelligent Access Unit on 1300 364 847.
Mobile cranes that require a specific permit
Oversize and overmass mobile cranes with dimensions or mass over the limits stated in the above Notice may be eligible to obtain access to specified NSW roads through a specific journey permit for particular routes. Specific permit applications are considered on a case by case basis and fees apply.
Further information can be obtained by contacting the Intelligent Access Unit on 1300 364 847.