Two publications to help road managers better assess, and give access to, PBS vehicles
A new Performance Based Standards (PBS) guide and chart have been released by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) to help road managers better understand the benefits of PBS vehicles on the road network.
The guide, PBS: A guide for road managers, and chart, PBS Vehicle Configurations, provide information regarding the principles, benefits and approval processes of PBS and examples of 32 common combinations approved under the scheme respectively.
NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto notes PBS-approved heavy vehicles are now a significant part of Australia’s heavy vehicle fleet, comprising almost one in five new Australian vehicles built this year.
“Heavy vehicles approved under the PBS scheme are continuing to use newer technology and safety features and it’s crucial that those who are making decisions about network access understand the benefits of these high-tech innovations,” Petroccitto says.
“The material released today provides road managers with robust and detailed information about the PBS approval process and the type of safety features that are common.
“It will assist them to make informed decisions about which vehicles can safely access their local roads, intersections and bridges.”
Petroccitto notes there are 16,000 separate PBS-registered trucks, trailer and buses that make up 7,000 approved combinations in Australia.
“PBS combinations are usually designed for a specific task,” he says.
“They are innovation leaders across our fleet, reducing heavy vehicle accidents, the number of trips and impact on roads and bridges.
“The complexity of PBS access permit applications can cause delays in the decision making process, so it’s important that we continue to provide road managers with information.”
The chart is the fourth in the NHVR series, including Classes of Heavy Vehicle chart, Common Heavy Freight Vehicle Configurations chart and Variations of Buses chart.