Could changes to ADR’s see an uptake of safer heavy vehicles?

A discussion paper outlining possible ADR changes to enhance the uptake of safety features on heavy vehicles, has been tabled by the Department of Infrastructure.

The department is seeking comments from industry which is open until 30 June 2021.

The discussion paper provides detailed proposals for changes to the ADRs related to a number of issues which have been under discussion with industry for some time.

These include:

• Allowances for the fitment of indirect vision and monitoring devices to detect other users
• Options for changes to width allowances for heavy vehicles in exchange for the fitment of advances safety features. Options discussed include increasing allowable widths of :
  • trucks and trailers to 2.55m (plus allowances for load restraint devices)
  • trucks to 2.55m (plus allowances for load restraint devices)
  • trucks and trailers to 2.6m (plus allowances for load restraint devices)
  • trucks to 2.6m (plus allowances for load restraint devices)
• Changes to allowable axle configurations including:
  • Increases to the maximum permissible distance between the centre lines of the axles of a twin steer axle group from 2.0 m to 2.5 m
  • Increases to the transition mass limits for retractable axles
  • Increases to the maximum permissible rear overhang
  • Changes to the rules on the fitment of a quad axle groups
  • Transition mass requirements for quad axle groups

A copy of the discussion paper can be obtained here.

If you would like to discuss the proposals please contact HVIA’s National Manager Policy & Government Relations, Greg Forbes, at g.forbes@hvia.asn.au or 0437 923 755.

This will be an item for discussion at the next round of State Committee meetings which will be scheduled for late May and early June.