Intelligent access program (IAP) is a national program which provides heavy vehicles with access or improved access to the Australian road network in return for monitoring of compliance with specific access conditions by vehicle telematics solutions.
How does the IAP work?
IAP was developed in a partnership between all Australian road agencies. In Queensland it is a joint project between Main Roads and Queensland Transport. The IAP uses satellite and wireless communication technology to remotely monitor where, when and how heavy vehicles operate on the road network. An in-vehicle unit is required to be installed in vehicles by an IAP Service Provider. An IAP Service Provider may combine its IAP service with other services already provided to transport operators, such as fleet management.
The IAP will report the time, date, position, and other parameters of any event that does not comply with the access conditions of an IAP monitored vehicle. The IAP also provides evidence of tampering. This information may be used in a subsequent investigation that may be initiated by Queensland Transport. The IAP will also record any self-declared information relating to the mass and configuration of the vehicle combination.
Existing forms of heavy vehicle compliance and enforcement will remain in place. Queensland Transport and the Queensland Police Service will continue to enforce all aspects of road transport law.
The first application of the IAP in Queensland will be to monitor the compliance of vehicles operating at higher mass limits (HML). Additionally, some innovative vehicles will require the IAP as the compliance tool for approval to access the road network. Existing innovative vehicle applications will continue to operate under their existing arrangements until ported across to IAP.
Roles and responsibilities
The IAP involves interaction between four separate parties.
1. The jurisdiction (State road/Transport authority)
Queensland Transport and the Department of Main Roads will jointly manage the jurisdictional elements of the IAP. This will include issuing the conditions of access to the road network and assessing non compliance reports.
2. Transport operators
Transport operators will have the opportunity to apply for improved access conditions. Should IAP be a condition of access the operator needs to engage a certified IAP service provider who will provide IAP services on a fee-for-service basis.
3. IAP service providers
IAP service providers will record the date, time, position and other recorded parameters and report any apparent non-compliant event associated with a monitored vehicle, as well as tampering to Queensland Transport for investigation and follow up action.
4. Transport certification Australia (TCA)
TCA administers and implements the IAP. It certifies and audits IAP service providers (only certified IAP service providers can supply IAP services under the program), to ensure that all IAP systems are accurate and reliable.
More information
A video presentation regarding the IAP has been produced by TCA and may be viewed at its website.
Further information regarding the IAP nationally may be obtained from TCA.
Further information for the IAP in Queensland can be obtained from
· the IAP fact sheet [
68 KB]*
· the IAP section of the Queensland Transport website
· the higher mass limits information bulletin [
57 KB]*
· the Higher mass limits section of the Queensland Transport website.
For enquiries: email intelligent.access.program@mainroads.qld.gov.au
telephone 1300 753 427 (1300 QLD IAP)
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Last updated 24 June 2008