The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has released a Discussion Paper seeking industry input with regards to the future of the Performance Based Standards (PBS) scheme.
NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the Performance Based Standards 2.0 Discussion Paper focuses on opportunities to reduce regulatory, administrative and cost barriers for industry and promote innovative approaches to heavy vehicle safety and productivity.
“The PBS scheme, which now has more than 15,400 combinations operating across the country, has played a significant role in transforming road freight transport in Australia,” Petroccitto said.
“As the freight task keeps growing and we continue to be challenged by driver shortages, it is essential that we do everything we can to improve accessibility to safer and more productive heavy vehicles and encourage innovative approaches to move goods.”
Petroccitto added that the Discussion Paper has a strong focus on working with road managers to open up increased access for PBS vehicles, so they can operate on the same networks as their conventional equivalents, provide certainty of access for these vehicles, and eliminate the need for permits.
“It also provides a pathway for PBS vehicles to exit the PBS scheme into the ‘as-of-right’ fleet, as we have recently delivered through the National Class 3 20m Long 3-axle Truck and 4-axle Dog Trailer Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice,” he said.
The NHVR will also hold a series of webinars in early 2023 that will provide another opportunity to provide PBS feedback.
To read the Discussion Paper, register for a webinar or find out how to submit feedback, click here.