NHVR improves efficiency with combinations notice

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has released its National Class 3 20m Long 3-axle Truck and 4-axle Dog Trailer Mass and Dimension Notice 2022 (No.1), which will allow operators to use this combination on approved networks without having to go through the Performance-Based Standards (PBS) approval process.

Eligible vehicles under the notice will operate on Level One (up to mass 50.5 tonne) and Level Two (up to mass 57.5 tonne) networks.

NHVR CEO, Sal Petroccitto, said the notice was an important first step in helping to get safer and more productive vehicles on the road.

“With over 15 years knowledge and experience of hundreds of three-axle truck and four-axle dog combination designs, we are confident we can remove the need for them to go through the PBS assessment process,” he said.

“Rigorous, tried-and-tested templates for these combinations have been developed through the PBS scheme, and the combinations operating under this notice will use these templates and adhere to the same strict safety standards.

“By moving these common, well-understood truck and dog trailer combinations out of the PBS scheme, we can reduce the regulatory and cost burden for industry, as well as allow PBS to focus on new vehicle innovation,” Petroccitto added.

“As part of ongoing reform of the PBS scheme to ensure it remains fit for purpose, the NHVR will continue to work with industry to identify other combinations that can also be transitioned out of the scheme.”

Petroccitto explained that operators can still choose to operate these truck and dog combinations under the existing PBS arrangements if preferred, or they can opt to use the new notice arrangements.

“The change does not affect the current access available to PBS operators of three-axle truck and four-axle dog combinations,” he said.

Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA) Chief Executive, Todd Hacking, said the reform reflects the maturation of the PBS scheme.

“This move allows the scheme to get back to focusing on the next iteration of innovative vehicles, further enhancing productivity and safety,” he said.

“Firstly, it will increase the level of productivity within the truck and dog fleet, while simultaneously removing the burden for both industry and the NHVR during the PBS assessment process of these combinations.

“We congratulate the NHVR for listening to, and working with industry, on this important initiative.”

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