NHVR hails global interest in local heavy vehicle regulation developments
Sweden has come to Australia to learn our way on performance based standards (PBS), the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has revealed.
Two Swedish Transport Agency representatives, Anders Gunneriusson and Mats Willen, were given an in-depth briefing on the NHVR’s management of PBS schemes.
In return, the regulator received a detailed exposition on the agency’s work to increase both mass and length limits to improve productivity of the Swedish transport fleet.
“Their visit is global recognition of the safety and productivity benefits achieved through the PBS scheme in Australia which has only been made possible through an innovative and optimised vehicle specification and design standards,” NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto says.
“There is great benefit and much to learn by sharing knowledge and experiences with the international heavy vehicle industry.
“It all contributes to creating a more productive and safer heavy vehicle industry.”
Gunneriusson chairs a number of high-level groups including the Working Party on Brakes and Running Gear under the UN World Forum for Harmonisation of Vehicle Regulations.
The Swedes are currently working on the drafting of international vehicle standards for multi vehicle combinations, such as road trains, and are looking to Australian vehicle construction standards.
Representatives from Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Road’s Heavy Vehicle Reform team were invited to participate in the meeting.
“The main topic was Performance Based Standards vehicles and routes as it was apparent that Sweden is very interested in introducing a similar type scheme,” a TMR spokesperson says.
“Mr Gunneriusson and Mr Willen were extremely interested in the background, framework and road network assessments required for PBS vehicles.
“It was interesting for us to learn about heavy vehicle rules in Sweden and how their network is managed.
“Topics such as mass limits, vehicle dimensions and the European Modular Scheme were discussed.”