Council is a member of the MidNorth Weight of Loads Group and has the authority to approve or refuse applications to transport oversize or overmass vehicles on Council's Roads. 

Roads with imposed load limits are generally signposted accordingly, however the following specific restrictions should be noted:

The Bucketts Way

Permission must be sought from Council to travel on The Bucketts Way if the load exceeds 44 tonne and/or is equal to or greater than 3.5m wide.  Applicants must obtain a permit from the Roads & Traffic Authority (RTA) for an overloaded / wide load following the issuing of a conditional approval by Council and must comply with any conditions imposed by the RTA. The applicant must comply with any conditions that may be imposed by the NSW Police.  It is to be noted that any vehicle exceeding 3.5m wide will require a police escort.  In addition, as per Country Energy's guidelines, if the height of the load exceeds 4.6m the applicant must contact Country Energy, as powerlines may require lifting.

Tea Gardens / Hawks Nest Bridge

Forster/Tuncurry Bridge

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To apply to transport an oversize/overmass load along Council's roads, you are required to forward a written request to Council's Transport Assets Section at least 5 days prior to the required travel date.  A copy of your RTA Permit Application is to be provided with your written request, ensuring that specific details of the vehicle and load, and the date and time of proposed travel, is included.

If permission is granted, Council will forward the applicant a letter of approval outlining the conditions of the approval, which may include a Council officer accompanying the oversize/overmass vehicle, at cost to the applicant.

The MidNorth Weight of Loads Group works in co-operation with the New South Wales Roads and Traffic Authority to protect and prolong the life of our roads by reducing the incidence of overloaded vehicles.  The Group comprises a number of NSW Local Government councils.

Although the Group issues breaches for overloading, its major focus is on education which will assist truck operators in making sure their loads are legal and are not causing damage to roads.  As part of the Group's education program, inspectors offer truck weighing on request and give advice on proper loading.

Why do we need a group such as the MidNorth Weight of Loads Group?

We need it because overloading vehicles damage and dramatically reduce the life of our roads and bridges.  This damage not only contributes to motor vehicle accidents but it also imposes a huge financial burden on rate and tax payers in funding the repairs and road reconstruction.  Overloading also increases maintenance costs for truck operators.  We would like to prevent this situation from happening.

How can we do this?

The first and most important solution is education.  If truck operators are unsure of how to efficiently distribute their load or are not sure of the loading capacity of their vehicle, they are invited to contact any member Council of the Group to arrange a meeting with an inspector who will provide appropriate advice.

The second and less favourable course of action to prevent damage will be to breach offenders.  An overload offence can attract a hefty fine, so truck operators are encouraged to make sure their load is legal. 

Further information may be obtained through the MidNorth Weight of Loads Group.

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