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The safety and productivity gains of Performance-Based Standards (PBS) were on show during the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s targeted PBS compliance operation in New South Wales (NSW).
Operation Falcon, held from 28 April to 3 May 2025, focused on inspecting PBS vehicle combinations for Vehicle Standards and permit conditions.
Acting Director of Operations Central Region Alen O’Hara said the results were more favourable for the 367 intercepted PBS vehicles than for the 1,928 remaining heavy vehicles.
“The results revealed a non-compliance rate of 11% for PBS vehicles, compared to a 22% non-compliance rate for other heavy vehicles inspected.
“PBS vehicle combinations by design are safer and more productive, enabling more freight to be moved in a safe way with fewer truck movements.
“The strong safety results, including greater mechanical, load restraint practices, and permit compliance, are a positive outcome for operators of PBS.
“The PBS vehicle combinations inspected were exemplary in load security, with a 100% compliance rate in load restraint.”
Mr O’Hara said the operation targeted non-compliance risks associated with PBS heavy vehicle operations across New South Wales.
“In the lead-up to Operation Falcon, the NHVR observed select PBS vehicle combinations operating outside of approved networks.
“Operators must hold a valid PBS Vehicle Approval and comply with relevant notice or permit conditions to operate on an approved road network.
“PBS vehicles are involved in 46% fewer major crashes per kilometre travelled than conventional heavy vehicles but can pose a safety risk if operating outside of the approved networks and conditions of a permit or notice.”
Mr O’Hara explained the NHVR’s Safety and Compliance Officers (SCOs) conducted 122 interactions to improve driver awareness on PBS safety obligations.
“Sixty-eight per cent of PBS driver education was focused on PBS permit and Vehicle Approval information to promote greater awareness of PBS obligations and approval conditions.
“Through Operation Falcon, we are seeing firsthand benefits of targeted compliance activities to address heavy vehicle compliance trends and issues, to ultimately improve road safety outcomes.”
For more information on PBS vehicles, visit www.nhvr.gov.au/pbs