NTC paper eyes PBS changes

The National Transport Commission is seeking ways to reduce red tape and boost productivity through changes to the Performance Based Standards scheme

A discussion paper released today by the National Transport Commission is shining a light on the current Performance Based Standards framework for heavy vehicles and examining ways in which the scheme can be changed to unlock greater productivity benefits for Australia's road freight industry.

Titled Access to PBS mass limits for truck and trailer combinations, the paper seeks comment from the road transport industry on ways in which the scheme could be revised to boost productivity, cut red tape and reduce the administrative burden.

According to the CEO of the NTC, Paul Retter, the PBS is far from being set in stone.

"This is a further opportunity to save time and money," he said.

"Under these proposals we can cut red tape and get safer vehicles on our roads. This means more goods can move more efficiently, which is good news for consumers."

The paper looks at the prescriptive designs for six- and seven-axle truck and trailer combinations, and considers whether relevant non-PBS-approved vehicles that comply with PBS requirements could travel with the same mass limits as PBS-approved vehicles.

"Of the four options we are considering, our preliminary research suggests that making PBS-compliant blueprints and specifications more easily accessible is our greatest opportunity to save industry time and money," said Mr Retter.

"The scheme has set safety and infrastructure performance standards, but Australia’s transport industry has told us that the uptake has been slowed by the lengthy, costly process of getting a PBS vehicle blueprint approved, built and certified.

"Since establishing the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), there are clearer access rights and applications and certifications have got quicker, but we know we can unlock greater savings. This project aims to realise the scheme’s full potential."

In order to do so, the NTC is calling upon manufacturers, operators, engineers, road agencies and drivers to contribute their expertise in order to help the statutory body shape a feasible amendment.

The closing date for submissions on the paper is Tuesday, October 28, 2014.

Click here to view the full paper.

For more information visit www.ntc.gov.au.

NTC paper eyes PBS changes

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