The Queensland Government, National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) and Queensland Trucking Association (QTA) have collaborated to develop a notice for Performance Based Standard (PBS) A-doubles between Toowoomba and the Port of Brisbane.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the notice would eliminate the need for permits for PBS A-doubles operating at masses up to 79.5 tonnes (General Mass Limits) or up to 81.5 tonnes (Concessional Mass Limits).
An operator of a PBS A-double seeking to operate up to 85 tonnes (Higher Mass Limits) will still require access approval from Transport and Main Roads before operating under the Notice.
This can be obtained through the NHVR Portal.
“Safety is always our priority, but where we can provide improved access and reduce the need for permits, industry benefits, as does the environment and other road users, by halving truck trips for some freight tasks,” Mr Bailey said.
“This notice will apply to conforming PBS A-Double combinations and remove the need for operators to periodically apply for extensions of their permits.
“It will also provide long-term certainty for industry to invest in these vehicles, which are more productive and safer.
“To be eligible, the vehicle must be manufactured in compliance with, and certified under, a PBS vehicle approval and it must to comply with specific axle spacing and mass requirements.
“Operators must also comply with all conditions under the notice, which includes GPS tracking, on-board mass monitoring and vehicle signage.
“All eligible A-double vehicles will also now be able to operate at higher mass limits up to 85 tonnes.
“Operators seeking access beyond concessional mass limits will need to have their combinations assessed and approved by Transport and Main Roads (TMR).” NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the new notice would continue to reduce the need for permits and boost heavy vehicle productivity along one of Queensland’s busiest freight corridors.
“PBS vehicles are newer, safer and built for purpose heavy vehicles,” Mr Petroccitto said.
“By removing the need for an access permit between Toowoomba and the Port of Brisbane, we are able to get vehicles moving sooner and more efficiently, which is a boost for local economies.”
QTA CEO Gary Mahon said A-doubles are a progressive step towards improving productivity and safety on one of our busiest freight corridors.
“This notice will help to reduce some red tape and grow our Queensland industry confidence to continue to invest,” he said.
Mr Bailey said the new notice was the result of a collaborative effort between TMR, NHVR and QTA.
“My department has been working closely with NHVR and industry, through the QTA to develop this notice, which will improve efficiency for operators, as PBS A-Doubles are now a permanent fixture on our network,” he said.
“TMR will continue to work with industry and the NHVR to explore enhanced access opportunities to assist the heavy vehicle industry achieve higher productivity and improved safety through innovative and optimised vehicle design.”
For more information visit www.nhvr.gov.au/state-notices