Don’t load high productivity freight vehicles with more costs: Clark
The National Road Transport Association (NatRoad) has asked the Victorian government to postpone the introduction of a new high-productivity vehicle (HPV) technology requirement due to the cost burden for operators.
It comes as Victoria is in the midst of expanding its HPV network access – with smart on-board mass a key pillar of the move.
Members have told NatRoad that they are not able to meet the costly new technology requirement, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, by the mandated date of November 1.
“Normally when regulations change to require costly technology to be introduced as a condition of on-road operation, there is some sort of regulatory impact statement or assessment of how these requirements will affect the industry,” NatRoad CEO Warren Clark said.
“In the instance of the requirement for on-board mass measuring equipment, consultation has not occurred.”
Victorian government plans for smart OBM to aid wider access, here
Clark said HPVs are safer and more productive than other heavy vehicles and their use should be encouraged, not stifled with red tape.
“We are unsure of the rationale for the lack of study before this expensive move,” Clark said.
“Why are operators required to reinvest in on board measuring equipment at great expense, when the systems that they currently operate are supplying the required data to the regulator and road authorities?
“Adding these costs during a pandemic just doesn’t make sense when we should be moving more freight through HPVs, not less.
“We have asked the Victorian Government to at least delay this new requirement during the pandemic, which has already caused many operators to reduce the scale of their operations or shut down.
“Road freight is an essential industry – governments should assist it to operate more efficiently during the pandemic rather than set up red tape roadblocks.”