The NSW Freight Policy Reform Advisory Panel has delivered its interim directions report, and this has been followed by the release of the updated NSW Heavy Vehicle Access Policy Freight transport which has been at the centre of a reform agenda in NSW.
NSW Independent Freight Policy Reform Panel Interim Directions report indicated makes some key recommendations to support what it describes as an efficient logistics supply chain in the state. A second round of consultation has already opened, while the Freight Policy is set to be finalised by the end of this year.
Key issues in the paper include support for decarbonisation, the planning and protection of industrial land, and the use of data and information to inform decision making and address skills shortages.
The paper also makes a recommendation for the finalisation and implantation of the NSW Heavy Vehicle Access Policy to optimise the use of the road network for modern heavy vehicles.
Freight volumes are estimated to increase by 26 per cent across NSW between 2021 and 2041 according to analysis from the report , while there is likely to be an increase of 40 per cent in Greater Sydney alone.
A Transport for NSW information session was held yesterday ( Monday 23 September), with online submissions accepted until next month with a close off deadline for submissions on Wednesday 23 October. Interested observers can visit Transport for NSW’s webpage here to read the Interim Directions Paper.
The National regulator, the HVIA has reportedly been working closely with TfNSW to provide feedback on their updated Heavy Vehicle Access Policy, which is guided by five pillars, that include agile and resilient networks, innovative vehicles, streamlined access, telematics and data and strong partnerships
Some of the key concerns raised by HVIA have seen the language in the final document refined to reflect the HVIA’s concerns. Despite this the Policy Pillars outlined in the draft policy largely flow through to the final policy document, with the main refinements including clearer recognition that networks need to be fit for purpose and the role that modern high productivity vehicles can play in enhancing safety, environmental and efficiency goals. It also includes some more nuanced discussion on the role of high productivity vehicles and the interaction of access decisions with respect to these vehicles with road network standards
The final document also signalled recognition of the need to review the principles and standards guiding future road infrastructure design and maintenance in order to facilitate high productivity vehicle access
It also included more detailed discussion on the need for effective coupling and decoupling strategies to support high productivity vehicles, a clearer recognition of the need to work with industry on research trials and evaluation of new and emerging vehicles and technologies, and better discussion on the need to provide certainty of access to industry to foster investment in high productivity vehicles
The final two points raised in the document include desiring a more nuanced discussion of how well designed telematics systems can enhance industry productivity in addition to facilitating better management of road infrastructure and that more intelligent infrastructure is also important in overall management of the system, and a recognition that enhancing community understanding of the role of freight in improving societal outcomes and the benefits that high productivity vehicles bring will assist in achieving community acceptance of these vehicles
