PBS Review Project

The PBS Review Project aims to reduce barriers to participating in the Performance Based Standards (PBS) scheme, give industry greater flexibility, and progress the use of technology to comply with the safety standards.

At the May 2018 Transport and Infrastructure Council meeting, Ministers endorsed the recommendations of the National Transport Commission (NTC) Assessing the effectiveness of the PBS marketplace and identifying barriers to vehicle design innovation policy paper.

The paper noted that significant safety and productivity benefits had resulted from the introduction and operation of the PBS scheme but outlined four recommendations to ensure that PBS vehicles continue to meet the scheme’s original objectives and principles. To manage committed outcomes for Ministers, the NHVR established the PBS Review Project.

National Transport Commission recommendations

Recommendation Status
The NHVR to review and then revise current PBS Scheme Standards used to assess PBS vehicles. PBS Standards review is in progress and being delivered in 4 phases
The NHVR to lead a communications plan to promote the benefits of the PBS scheme. Ongoing
The NHVR to publish a National PBS Notice for each network level.

Completed. National Class 2 Performance Based Standards (Tier 1) Authorisation Notice and National Class 2 Performance Based Standards (High Productivity) Authorisation Notice.
Austroads and the NHVR to design a nationally consistent infrastructure assessment guideline. Underway

Further information

For additional information, please contact the PBS Review Project Team at PBSreview@nhvr.gov.au