The NHVR and the South Australian Department of Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) have approved a new configuration, the BA-triple, for use on the road train network on state-controlled roads in South Australia.
BA-triples are now an eligible combination under the National Class 2 Road Train Authorisation Notice 2022 No.3 in South Australia only, and the South Australian Class 3 Road Friendly Suspension Mass Exemption Notice 2022 No.2.
NHVR chief executive officer, Sal Petroccitto said that including the new BA-triple combination in these important access notices would deliver operational and safety benefits.
“Wherever we can, we want to introduce safer and more productive vehicles on our road networks,” Petroccitto said.
“The NHVR assessed the dynamic safety performance of BA-triples and found their handling ability to match that of AB-triples, which already have access.
“While the network currently only includes South Australian state-controlled roads, we’re working with DIT and local governments to progressively extend it,” Mr Petroccitto said.
“This is another example of the NHVR, government and industry working together to develop a safer, more productive solution to the transport task.
“I thank DIT, the Motor Trade Association SA/NT and Livestock & Rural Transporters Association of SA (LRTASA) for their collaboration on this initiative.”
LRTASA President David Smith said that using BA-triples would reduce handling risks and improve safety in the industry.
“Eliminating the need to break down AB-triples with a light loaded rear trailer into a single and a B-double combination, will save time, reducing costs for the operator, but more importantly it will bring significant safety benefits,” Smith said
“Using BA-triples will reduce the risk of injury to the individual reconfiguring the vehicle, and also to the driver and other road users by having these more stable vehicles on the road.”
For more information, see:
National Class 2 Road Train Authorisation Notice 2022 Operator’s Guide
South Australian Class 3 Road Friendly Suspension Mass Exemption Notice 2022 Operator’s Guide