Government announces increased width limit

The measure, announced today (September 28) by Federal Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Carol Brown, as part of the Federal Government’s Safer Freight Vehicles package, increases the overall width limit from 2.50 to 2.55 metres for new trucks that are fitted with a number of safety features.

These include devices to reduce blind spots, electronic stability control, advanced emergency braking, a lane departure warning system, better reflective markings, and side guards to stop pedestrians and cyclists from being caught up under the rear wheels of trucks.

Additionally, several safety devices and sensors will be able to be fitted to trucks without counting towards width and length measurements. These include front- and kerb-view mirrors, external parts of camera monitor systems, blind spot sensors, and cross-view mirrors.

The announcement will allow manufacturers to more easily roll out electric trucks such as the Volvo FE and FL Electric and the upcoming FH Electric prime mover, which currently have to operate under the PBS scheme due to their width.

Scania also welcomed the announcement for its 25 P and other electric vehicles, which could have been affected if the width regulations remained at 2.50m.

“Scania welcomes the decision to implement the 50mm width expansion for new trucks as this will allow us to fit additional safety systems to our trucks, systems that have been commonplace in Europe for some time,” said Benjamin Nye, Director of Truck Sales for Scania Australia.

“A further benefit is the ability to fit low-rolling-resistance tyres and aero-enhancing panels to drive down fuel consumption and emissions even further. We also look forward to an early ruling on front axle weight exemptions to allow more of our 100 per cent Battery Electric Vehicles to be brought to market,” Mr Nye added.

While the overall width limit for buses and trailers won’t change, they they will also benefit from more safety devices being excluded from width and length measurements.

The Government estimates the changes will provide a net benefit of more than $500 million to the Australian economy by reducing the number of road freight trips businesses will need to take, saving them money and lowering their environmental impact.

HVIA’s Chief Executive Officer, Todd Hacking, says the historic announcement is a huge step forward for the industry and the many HVIA members who will benefit.

“HVIA has listened to its members and advocated tirelessly for this change,” he said.

“Removing unnecessary roadblocks and impediments to truck safety and productivity underpins what we do, and we thank Minister Brown’s office for recognising the importance of this reform.”

The change harmonises Australia’s truck width limits with many overseas markets and allows manufacturers to introduce the next generation of safer, cleaner, and more productive trucks, without needing costly re-design or re-engineering.

The Truck Industry Council (TIC) said it also welcomes the Federal Government’s announcement of approving the implementation of the Safer Freight Vehicles Package, and has thanked Ministers Catherine King and Carol Brown for their open engagement.

“This announcement of the Safer Freight Vehicles package demonstrates the strong, trusted working relationship that exists between the Truck Industry Council and the Federal Government,” said Tony McMullan, CEO of TIC.

“As the industry technical experts, TIC has drawn upon its members’ world-wide technological and practical knowledge to advocate for the introduction of advanced safety features that are core elements of this Safer Freight Vehicles Package well before they are mandated, with the result being that road users will be safer on Australian roads.

“All safer freight vehicles will now be equipped with lane departure warning, autonomous emergency brake systems, side underrun protection, conspicuity markings and stability control.”

Crucial to making this Safer Freight Vehicles Package a reality was the Australian Government’s decision to listen to the Truck Industry Council advocacy for an increase in overall truck vehicle width by 50mm, which in doing so aligns the Australian truck width limit with those of many international markets, including Europe.

Alignment with international market regulations for vehicle mass and dimensions, as well as safety and emission technologies, are key to giving local manufacturers and importers greater access to the latest technology and models from global markets.

“Allowing 2.55m width vehicles on Australian roads meant that these vehicles could be fitted with the latest safety technologies and importantly will result in the faster deployment of zero emission vehicles in Australia,” Mr McMullan said.

Changes under the Safer Freight Vehicles package will begin to come into effect from October 1, 2023.