A new notice delivered by the NHVR will give eligible Performance Based Standards (PBS) vehicles immediate network access when they receive a vehicle approval with a Tier 1 bridge assessment.
South Australia’s Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Corey Wingard said all PBS vehicles must pass various safety and infrastructure standards, such as acceleration capability, turning space, pavement wear, and mass and dimension limits.
“Previously operators of these approved PBS combinations would have to apply for a permit after receiving their vehicle approval. This National Class 2 Performance Based Standards (Tier 1) Authorisation Notice 2021 eliminates the requirement of a permit application and allows operators automatic access to approved networks,” Minister Wingard said.
“This is another example of governments and the regulator reducing red tape and providing increased access for the heavy vehicle industry, which has continued to keep Australia moving during the pandemic.”
NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the Notice establishes a platform to provide operators with guaranteed PBS access before they build their vehicle.
“Operators have told us that knowing they have immediate network access would be a big factor in deciding whether to invest in a PBS vehicle or expand their PBS fleet,” Mr Petroccitto said.
“It will certainly encourage the take-up of these smarter, safer and more-productive PBS vehicles in the Australian heavy vehicle fleet.
“We will continue to build on this Notice by starting to roll out a higher productivity PBS notice later this year.”
The National Class 2 Performance Based Standards (Tier 1) Authorisation Notice 2021 applies in South Australia, the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Tasmania and Victoria.
Each network – as shown in the Notice’s jurisdictional schedules – has a maximum mass cap and a specified length limit for eligible vehicles.
Operators must ensure they check their vehicle approvals against the conditions of this Notice.
Links to the Notice and operator’s guide are as below:
• National Class 2 Performance Based Standards (Tier 1) Authorisation Notice 2021
• National Class 2 Performance Based Standards (Tier 1) Authorisation Notice 2021 Operator’s Guide
