Issue 121 | 10 August 2021

Collaboration is a key factor when it comes to driving improvements for the heavy vehicle industry and over the last fortnight, we’ve continued to work closely with government and industry to progress some important safety and productivity outcomes. I’m delighted that our ongoing collaboration has led to an agreement of the NHVR’s proposal for PBS vehicles to use a broader range of tyres. The decision will lead to improved safety and efficiency for the entire industry and I hope it will increase take-up of higher productivity vehicles in the future. Likewise, the work between the NHVR, transport agencies and the industry has led to workable outcomes for operators looking to meet COVID-19 testing, permit and safety requirements. There have been challenges along the way, but I’ve been proud of the willingness of all parties to find solutions and keep vital freight routes operating. As COVID-19 border and testing requirements change, we’ll continue to liaise with governments to provide up-to-date information for industry. For the latest information on testing sites and more, please visit the NHVR’s COVID-19 Support Map, visit www.nhvr.gov.au/coronavirus and keep an eye on our social media. Stay safe. Sal, CEO

Productivity Plan one year on

It’s a year since the NHVR released the Heavy Vehicle Productivity Plan, with 30 projects commenced or completed. NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the NHVR worked with customers and stakeholders to develop the strategic document. “The plan focuses on increased road network access by reducing the need for permits, developing streamlined and practical systems, and recognising advancements in technology,” Mr Petroccitto said. > Check out our column in Big Rigs to read more

Good news for PBS vehicle tyres

Performance Based Standards (PBS) vehicles will soon be able to use a broader range of tyres, encouraging the take-up of safer, more-productive vehicles in the Australian heavy vehicle fleet. NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the recent Infrastructure Transport Ministers’ Meeting supported the NHVR’s leadership in reforming the PBS scheme to enable a new standardised tyre approach using a set of tyre properties and data for PBS assessments. “This decision will allow us to streamline the current approach, which requires vehicles in the PBS scheme to have their on-road performance assessed using specific tyre types and brands,” Mr Petroccitto said. > Read more about the PBS tyres announcement here

NHVR welcomes appointment of new ALC CEO

The NHVR has welcomed the appointment of Brad Williams as CEO of the Australian Logistics Council (ALC). NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said Mr Williams’ knowledge of transport policy and reform will help forge a safer, more productive industry. “On behalf of the NHVR I congratulate Brad on his appointment,” Mr Petroccitto said. “It’s important that the heavy vehicle industry and supply chain continues to work together to drive improved safety and productivity outcomes and Brad and the ALC will play a crucial task in strengthening and being a strong advocate for the transport and logistics sector.” > To read the full statement, click here

Higher Mass Limits permitted in the ACT

Eligible heavy vehicles can now operate at Higher Mass Limits (HML) on authorised routes in the ACT. The Australian Capital Territory Higher Mass Limits Declaration 2021, which comes into effect today, is the result of a review of HML access by the NHVR and Traffic Management and Safety, Roads ACT to boost productivity benefits for heavy vehicle operators. The Declaration replaces the Australian Capital Territory Class 3 Mass Management Accreditation Exemption Notice 2019, although vehicles can continue to operate under this until it’s revoked on 7 September 2021. To operate under the new Declaration, eligible vehicles must be fitted with certified road friendly suspension. Eligible vehicles are listed in the Operator’s Guide to the Declaration. Excluded vehicles include rigid combinations, including car carriers, and vehicles equipped with a tri-axle drive group. Authorised routes are shown on a new digital map produced by Traffic Management and Safety, Roads ACT.

Heavy vehicle safety a focus for primary producers

Grain harvest is just around the corner and the NHVR’s focus will again be on heavy vehicle safety on local freight routes. The NHVR recently met with grain industry groups, Transport for NSW and Transport and Main Roads (Queensland) to discuss heavy vehicle safety for the up-coming harvest. Whether you’re a primary producer that owns or contracts heavy vehicle service or a receiver make heavy vehicle safety a focus ahead of this season. Keep an eye out for more information in the weeks ahead.

Free Chain of Responsibility workshops for farmers

Peak grains representative body GrainGrowers has partnered with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) to host free workshops to help farmers better understand their role under Chain of Responsibility (COR) laws. The COR workshops have been funded by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative, supported by the Federal Government. “The NHVR’s number one priority is the safety of everyone in the heavy vehicle supply chain,” NHVR Sal Petroccitto said. “Projects like the COR workshops for farmers help improve safety for the entire industry - whether that’s at the farm, in the warehouse or on the road.” > Places are limited and registration is essential. You can secure your spot here

NSW Farm Gate Network now available on interactive map

The Farm Gate Network is now available as a layer on the NSW Livestock Loading Scheme interactive map. Operators travelling under the Farm Gate Access project can use this map to plan their journeys through the six participating Farm Gate Access councils. Farm Gate Access is a heavy vehicle initiative introduced in several participating councils in NSW. The initiative has been developed jointly by Transport for NSW, local councils and industry and introduces conditional area-wide access for Higher Productivity Vehicles transporting grain and livestock on local roads in participating council areas. > To view the interactive map, click here

New eLearning module for granting heavy vehicle access

The NHVR has developed an eLearning module to help road managers and industry understand the process of granting heavy vehicle access under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL). The Approved Guidelines for Granting Access module contains high-level guidance on aspects of heavy vehicle access decision making under HVNL.  > For more information and to access the eLearning module, click here