Queensland's transition to Smart On-Board Mass and Telematics Monitoring Application

About the changes

From 1 December 2022, eligible Class 2 heavy vehicles, and some specified Class 3 heavy vehicles, will commence an 18-month transition period which will harmonise the use of National Telematics Framework applications for these vehicles in Queensland, with other jurisdictions.

The changes will include the transition of eligible vehicles from the:

• Intelligent Access Program (IAP) to the Telematics Monitoring Application (TMA)
• and
• Queensland's Interim On-Board Mass (OBM) solution to Smart OBM.

Read more about the changes to telematics requirements in Queensland (PDF, 234KB).

It will not be mandatory for existing enrolled Transport Operators (in those programs) to transition to TMA or Smart OBM immediately. Transport operators may choose to transition from 1 December 2022 onwards, based on operational and commercial considerations. However:

• existing enrolments must be fully transitioned to TMA or Smart OBM by 1 June 2024
• and
• from 1 December 2022, new operators may only enrol in TMA or Smart OBM.

Find out more about when you should transition (PDF, 141KB).

This approach is intended to limit any potential adverse operational or commercial impacts to industry. IAP and Queensland interim OBM will continue to run concurrently during the transitional period for those already operating under those programs.

Changes apply to these vehicles

The changes only apply to Class 2 and some specified Class 3 vehicles that are currently subject to telematic requirements. This is a 'like for like' transition. There are no additional requirements being imposed. Only a change to which types of telematics applications are used.

The changes do not apply to Class 1 vehicles, such as special purpose vehicles. IAP will continue to be required for Class 1 vehicles.

Reasons for changing to Smart OBM and TMA

Smart OBM and TMA are critical tools for Transport and Main Roads as a road manager and will provide ongoing access to telematics data. This is important to ensure continued heavy vehicle access to the road network, and factor into potential additional access considerations in the future.

Smart OBM and TMA will also deliver potential cost savings and operational efficiencies to industry. It is also a key step towards national harmonisation, noting that several other Australian jurisdictions have already introduced this technology.

Benefits of Smart OBM and TMA

The transition to Smart OBM and TMA will deliver a range of benefits, including:

• continued access to Queensland's State road network for Class 2 and some specified Class 3 heavy vehicles currently subject to telematic requirements
• cross border efficiencies and a key step towards national harmonisation, noting several other jurisdictions have already implemented this technology
• potential operational efficiencies and cost savings to industry
• transition of Smart OBM scale calibration requirements to align with manufacturer's specifications, resulting in a potential change from a 6-monthly to 12-monthly calibration schedule
• delivery of a richer telematics data set, providing Transport and Main Roads with enhanced information about heavy vehicle road use, which will be important in assessing future access and investment in the road network.

Transition period details

The transitional period is 18 months, starting on 1 December 2022.

Class 2 and some specified Class 3 heavy vehicles subject to telematic requirements must be fully transitioned to TMA and Smart OBM by 1 June 2024 to continue to operate on State controlled roads in Queensland.

How to change to Smart OBM and/or TMA

Your chosen application service provider (ASP) can provide information about enrolling in Smart OBM and TMA.

Read the information on approved suppliers.

You can read further information on TMA and Smart OBM systems on the TCA website.

Cancel IAP or Queensland Interim OBM

If you are currently enrolled in IAP or Queensland Interim OBM, you will need to cancel your enrolment after enrolling in TMA and Smart OBM.

To cancel IAP or Queensland Interim OBM enrolments, contact Transport and Main Roads at NHVR at info@nhvr.gov.au.

Equipment requirements

In many cases, current In-Vehicle Units (IVU) and OBM scales are already compatible with TMA and Smart OBM. Transport operators should however check with their ASP and OBM equipment provider to confirm. If new equipment is required, this will need to be arranged with the respective ASP and OBM equipment provider.

Costs

In most cases, the operating costs of TMA are less than IAP, resulting in potential cost savings to transport operators.

OBM calibration requirements may also change to align with the Manufacturer's specification. Where a manufacturer allows for 12-monthly calibrations (instead of the current 6-monthly requirement), transport operators may see additional operational efficiencies and cost savings. Transport operators should check with their OBM equipment provider to confirm calibration schedules.

Smart OBM and TMA costs may vary, depending on the ASP and Smart OBM equipment provider. Costs may also depend on whether existing IVUs and OBM scales are compatible with TMA and Smart OBM, or if new equipment is required.

Transport operators should check with their ASP and OBM equipment provider to confirm equipment requirements and costs.

Permit requirements

You will not need to apply for a new permit. All existing permits will be amended to allow for the transition.

Any new permits issued from 1 December 2022 will include Smart OBM and/or TMA as an access condition where required.

Additional access to the road network after transition

Smart OBM and TMA will deliver a richer data set, providing Transport and Main Roads with better information about how heavy vehicles are using the road network. This will assist with future access and investment decision making.