As noted in the 2022 review of the Heavy Vehicle National Law by Ken Kanofski (Independent Director and Advisor), “there is a mismatch between the productivity objective and therefore the ambition of the law, and the levers that are contained within the law to impact productivity.”
Although the scheme has delivered significant benefits for the Australian road transport industry, after nearly 20 years it is no longer fit for purpose.
There are currently a number of barriers including a convoluted approval process with lengthy and complex permits, that are creating a system prohibitive for smaller agricultural operators and impeding the full benefits of the scheme.
GRAINGROWERS SUPPORTS:
- The increased use of PBS accredited high productivity freight vehicles to substantially improve freight efficiency, create a safer operating environment and reduce emissions.
- Dynamic and evolving standards to ensure the PBS scheme continues to meet the changing needs of an accredited fleet.
- The PBS scheme as part of an innovative policy framework that delivers safer, more productive heavy vehicles available under prescriptive regulations.
GRAINGROWERS RECOGNISES:
- The current complexity and high cost of the scheme design and road access processes are a significant deterrent to participation within the scheme, especially for agricultural and small businesses.
- There is a significant lack of understanding of PBS vehicles amongst many road managers, inhibiting road access.
- The PBS scheme must accommodate the unique requirements of agricultural freight.
- Grain businesses often face more complex approval process because they do not fit specific Reference Vehicles.
- The PBS scheme should be amended to include a clear pathway to progress popular and mature PBS designs.
- As PBS grows in popularity, regulation and processes must continue to evolve to ensure the scheme continues to promote innovation.
- It is vital that high productivity freight vehicle access is incorporated into the design of future infrastructure including roads, bridges and intersections, as well as grain receival sites and other key locations where
appropriate. - Heavy vehicle operators must not be penalised for not being able to adopt new technologies such as PBS, recognising that it isn’t appropriate for all operators to adopt newer technologies or newer models of vehicles.
GRAINGROWERS SEEKS:
- Increased gazetted road access for PBS vehicles to reduce red tape and provide certainty for industry.
- Access decisions for PBS vehicles should apply as broadly as possible to reduce the complexity of permits.
- National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) to work with road managers to increase awareness and understanding of the benefits of PBS vehicles.
- Jurisdictions and the NHVR to work together to ensure greater harmonisation of PBS regulations and access to facilitate the efficient movement of cross-border freight.
- Australian Rail Track Corporation to explore mechanisms for PBS vehicles to safely cross rail lines.