Your Feedback is Important for PBS 2.0

27 Nov Blog

A new discussion paper requesting feedback to help the National Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) influence the direction of performance-based standards (PBS).

The PBS framework review will result in a modern framework that enables the following generation of innovative vehicles to deliver a more efficient and sustainable freight task thanks to input from industry and other PBS stakeholders.

The primary focus of the Performance Based Standards 2.0 Discussion Paper is on ways to lower industry regulatory, administrative, and financial hurdles while fostering cutting-edge approaches to heavy vehicle safety and productivity.

The PBS system has played a vital role in revolutionising road freight transport in Australia, with more than 15,400 combinations now operating across the country according to NHVR CEO, Sal Petroccitto.

This Discussion Paper details the NHVR’s assessment of the PBS programme and opportunities to make sure it continues to support cutting-edge but reliable approaches to heavy vehicle safety and productivity while lowering regulatory, administrative, and financial barriers for the NHVR and its stakeholders.

Below is NHVR’s preferred approach to the future of the PBS scheme:

1. Standards Framework – the adoption of an accelerated process to ensure that PBS vehicles remain at the forefront of innovation through the dynamic management of PBS Standards, including the potential use of interim standards to temporarily test new technologies.

2. Access and Transition Framework – the creation of a ‘lifecycle’ for a PBS vehicle from initial concept through to exit from the PBS scheme for common and mature design concepts via an alternative regulatory mechanism. This approach reduces barriers to entry for the industry to adopt PBS or PBS-like vehicles as part of their operating fleet.

3. Assurance Framework – supporting the development of capability and capacity of PBS scheme participants, to expedite end-to-end approval processes. This can be achieved by providing opportunities for third parties to deliver regulatory functions.

How can you provide feedback?

NHVR will be holding a series of webinars from the 23^rd of January to 16^th of February 2023. If you are an industry stakeholder and interested to join the webinar, click here. If you are a road manager, please click here to register.

Access the file here to know more about the discussion paper.