The Road to Access Made Simple
Keeping a heavy vehicle fleet moving takes more than logistics — it takes compliance, precision, and insight. For fleet managers, operations teams, and compliance officers, navigating heavy vehicle access, including permits, PBS approvals, and road access restrictions, is often complex and time-consuming, pulling focus away from core business priorities.
That’s where Smedley’s Engineers come in. We provide heavy vehicle access solutions that take the pressure off. From route assessments and NHVR applications to local council liaison and PBS approvals, our team manages the process from start to finish with clarity, speed, and care.
With over 90 years of engineering heritage, we work closely with Australia’s leading transport operators, manufacturers, and government agencies to get vehicles approved efficiently and fleets moving. We bring together technical knowledge, regulatory insight, and practical experience to deliver outcomes that make a measurable difference.
Every service we provide is designed to reduce risk, remove guesswork, and support your business with strategic, reliable advice.
Why Access Matters More Than Ever
Access isn’t just a formality. It’s a critical part of maintaining safe, efficient, and compliant operations. As road networks evolve and regulations tighten, the ability to secure vehicle access quickly and correctly has become a competitive advantage.
From PBS vehicles to conventional combinations, every access application comes with unique requirements. Route constraints, infrastructure limitations, and local council policies add further complexity. Small errors in the application process can cause delays, rejections, or restrictions that impact delivery timelines and cost.
Managing this process internally can place additional strain on already stretched teams. That’s why working with a knowledgeable access partner is essential — not just to handle paperwork, but to provide strategic guidance and proactive support.
With decades of experience and strong relationships across the regulatory landscape, we’re trusted to secure access where others can’t and to find real-world solutions that keep fleets moving.
What We Offer: Complete Heavy Vehicle Access Solutions
Our Access Services team doesn’t just handle permits — we manage the entire access process from end to end. With decades of experience and deep technical understanding, we act as your single point of contact across all road access matters.
Whether you’re applying for a PBS combination, managing a conventional fleet, or responding to changing network conditions, we provide tailored, compliant solutions to suit your needs. We offer proactive advice, real-time tracking, and full-service execution — so you’re never left wondering what’s next.
Route and Network Assessment
We assess the most appropriate network for your vehicle based on safety, capacity, and permit viability. Our team uses real-time data and desktop reviews to map viable routes and minimise risk.
- Freight task consultation
- Route plotting using Teltrac Navman and PBS overlays
- Early-stage access viability reviews
- Identification of infrastructure constraints
- Swept path planning support
In addition to operator support, we also provide local councils with insights into road geometry constraints, helping them better understand industry standards and vehicle demands. This dual-focus ensures more consistent approvals across jurisdictions.
PBS Access Support
Our team manages PBS approvals from design to final consent.
- Preliminary PBS viability checks
- Coordination with PBS Assessors and Certifiers
- NHVR application management
- Performance modelling and swept path diagrams
- Access strategy for new combinations
- Support for fleet-wide PBS rollout
We’ve been instrumental in turning around denied PBS applications by reconfiguring vehicle designs, strengthening technical justifications, and coordinating appeals that clearly demonstrate compliance and safety improvements. Our in-house modelling capabilities allow for rapid iteration and proposal adjustments.
NHVR Permit Applications and Management
We manage NHVR applications from drafting to submission, follow-up, and approval.
- Full permit preparation and submission
- Daily follow-ups with NHVR and road managers
- Case management and troubleshooting
- Progress reporting at key milestones
Our clients trust us to keep applications moving — even when challenges arise. We act as a buffer between your team and multiple agencies, so you can maintain focus on operations while we handle approvals in the background.
In-Principle Support and Council Liaison
We work directly with road managers and local councils to gain early approvals.
- IPS submission with supporting documents
- Justification for constrained routes
- Stakeholder relationship management
- Facilitated meetings to resolve objections
Our relationships with council officers and engineers help accelerate response times and reduce back-and-forth. We take the time to explain the operator’s task clearly and provide any technical clarification needed to move the decision forward.
Internal Reviews and Appeals
We challenge refusals with evidence-based internal reviews.
- Review eligibility and grounds assessment
- Preparation of technical responses
- Formal submission and representation
This includes developing strategic pathways to improve the application, such as route modifications or vehicle changes that address the reasons for refusal. We work closely with your team to ensure nothing is left unaddressed.
Permit Monitoring and Renewals
We proactively track your permit status and respond to access changes.
- Live permit tracking and renewal alerts
- Response to access changes from events or roadworks
- Review and update permits for ongoing suitability
We notify clients well in advance of expiry dates, allowing time to reapply and ensure seamless access continuity. For multi-vehicle operations, we can monitor grouped permits under a single agreement.
Vehicle Access (VA) Updates
We maintain your VA documentation as your fleet evolves.
- Add/remove units from current approvals
- Manage configuration updates
- Maintain alignment with NHVR and PBS classifications
Our team also manages configuration submissions when fleets expand or are modified for productivity, allowing you to maintain compliance without disruption.
Swept Path Analysis and Technical Reporting
We prepare technical documentation to support applications and resolve objections.
- Swept path diagrams and turning overlays
- Route constraint assessments
- Desktop PBS access modelling
These reports are often the key to unlocking approvals for restricted access routes. We use CAD-based modelling and vehicle templates matched to your specific units, ensuring high accuracy.
Local Government Engagement and Technical Support
We support councils and regional managers with access clarity and education.
- Training and technical guidance
- Interpretation of swept path and PBS data
- Facilitation of discussions between parties
This service fosters stronger, more informed relationships between road managers and operators, ultimately supporting quicker and more consistent access decisions.
For clients with ongoing needs, we also offer monthly advisory support on a billable basis to provide continuity, faster response times, and long-term compliance planning.
Every aspect of our Access Services is designed to reduce the administrative load, shorten approval timelines, and improve the likelihood of success.
Meet the Team Behind the Access
Every member of the Smedley’s team is committed to delivering advanced, practical solutions that make a difference. That commitment is built on five core values:
- Absolute attention to customer needs
- Honest, transparent consultation
- Innovative and resourceful outcomes
- Reliable, cost-effective advice
- A determination to be the best — now and into the future
Leading the Access Services team are two professionals who bring both expertise and empathy to every project.
Jason Stewart – Engagement Specialist
With over 20 years of experience across defence, education, transport, and regulation, Jason brings a unique lens to the access process. He previously spent six years at the NHVR in senior engagement roles and now leads stakeholder liaison and strategic access approvals at Smedley’s. He also helps improve internal systems and CX outcomes.
His background allows him to anticipate regulatory expectations, build trust with public and private stakeholders, and design permit strategies that meet both client goals and government standards.
Aniva Fitisemanu – Client Engagement & Access Liaison
Aniva has eight years of experience in the heavy vehicle industry, with a strong focus on stakeholder engagement and access consultancy. She supports clients with portal navigation, permit management, and technical reporting, helping simplify complex processes through clear communication and personal care.
She also plays a key role in training and onboarding new clients, ensuring they feel supported and confident throughout the access process.
With deep knowledge and genuine client focus, Jason and Aniva are at the heart of many successful access outcomes — including our work with Land Transport.
Supporting Complex Fleets with Confidence
We’ve worked closely with Land Transport to support the rollout of their PBS fleet. From measurements and approvals to certification and ongoing guidance, our Access Services team continues to support this large and diverse fleet through every stage of PBS adoption.
“I have been working closely with Smedley’s Engineers for the past few years, getting our PBS up and running. We have a large fleet and Smedley’s have had a big task getting everything measured up and approved. I have found the team at Smedley’s to be super helpful and very patient. I didn’t know anything about PBS and the Smedley’s team have helped me understand quite a lot and are still helping and advising me.”
— Katrina Hockey, Compliance Officer, Land Transport
This partnership reflects what we strive for across all projects: practical support, technical accuracy, and reliable outcomes that keep your fleet moving. Our team takes pride in being the kind of partner who’s still by your side long after the first permit is approved.
Why Smedley’s
Access is a critical part of what we do at Smedley’s Engineers — and it’s a space where we continue to lead. Our team brings together decades of engineering knowledge, strong regulatory relationships, and the technical capability to support everything from a single permit to national fleet access.
We don’t just tick boxes. We provide solutions that reduce delays, remove friction, and unlock real-world results. We work across all access classes and jurisdictions, from regional councils to Tier 1 operators.
We’re proud to work alongside some of the most respected names in the transport industry, including Base Air Global, Borcat Trailers, Brown and Hurley, Chris’s Body Builders, Hercules, Jim Pearson Transport, Lindsay Australia, MaxiTRANS, Muscat Trailers, NHVR, Nolans Interstate Transport, Ron Finemore Transport, Tefco Trailers, Visy, Vawbrey Semi Trailers, and Wickham Freight Lines.
Our goal is simple: to provide heavy vehicle access solutions that enable safe, legal, and efficient movement across the network. No matter the task, we’ll help you find a way forward.
Ready to Get Moving?
Whether you’re planning your first PBS project, applying for a new permit, or managing a growing national fleet, having the right access partner can make all the difference. Also, having expert guidance ensures you stay compliant, avoid delays, and keep your operations running smoothly — now and into the future
At Smedley’s, we pride ourselves on delivering timely and accurate advice to ensure that your access goals are met effectively. Our team works hard to secure prompt responses from road managers, align application timelines with your operations, and keep you informed at every step. Clients consistently report satisfaction with our responsiveness, transparency, and strategic input. For those with ongoing needs, we also offer expert access consulting on a monthly billable arrangement — providing continuity and compliance support as your fleet evolves.
At Smedley’s Engineers, we simplify the process so you can stay focused on operations. Reach out to speak with one of our Access Services specialists or request a quote today.