Australia, Transport News, Truck Safety

NHVR, federal government backing Safer Freight reforms

Heavy vehicles up to 2.55 metres wide will now be allowed general access to Australian roads - as long as they meet 'Safer Freight' reforms

Safer Freight Vehicle reforms from the federal government and NHVR will allow heavy vehicles up to 2.55m wide to have general access to Australia’s road network.

This increase follows the governmental changes made to the Australian Design Rules late last year to allow the maximum width of heavy vehicles fitted with modern safety technology to be increased from 2.50m to 2.55m.

Currently, only new vehicles are eligible to be certified as Safer Freight Vehicles under the guidelines, however the NHVR will work with industry associations to develop processes that will allow existing, in-service vehicles to also be certified.

This process is expected to be finalised by early 2025.

Wider vehicles are required to be fitted with additional safety features, including an enhanced set of devices for indirect vision, stability control, advanced emergency braking, lane departure warning, side underrun protection and conspicuity markings.

To read more about the safety features Safer Freight Vehicles are required to have, click here.

Assistant Infrastructure and Transport Minister Carol Brown says the change to allow for wider trucks will help the trucking industry continue to operate as smoothly and as safely as possible.

“The Australian government heard the industry’s concerns that the previous width limits were a barrier to them installing critical safety technologies, and we have acted,” Brown says.

“By granting general access to vehicles up to 2.55 metres wide we are promoting the highest level of road safety, supporting truckies to do their vital work more safely.”

NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto has labelled the announcement as a “game-changer” for heavy vehicle operators.

“The NHVR wants to ensure heavy vehicles are equipped with the latest safety technology and make sure there are no regulatory barriers when it comes to manufacturers identifying and installing new systems,” Petroccitto says.

“This announcement is a game-changer for both operators and manufacturers and will ensure the safest vehicles are available in Australia, helping keep all road users safe.”

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