NHVR supports VSB6 extension

The NHVR has agreed to push back the implementation of Vehicle Standards Bulletin 6 (VSB6) Code J4 with transitional arrangements now extended to 1 February 2024.

HVIA had appealed to the NHVR for an extension to allow time for administrative issues to be resolved given the concerns of HVIA members over the implementation of the J4 tipper code.

NHVR Chief Executive Officer Sal Petroccitto advised HVIA that the appeal combined with information received from Approved Vehicle Examiners (AVEs), warranted reconsideration of the implementation.

The NHVR has advised that they will communicate this extension with State jurisdictions and the broader industry shortly.

The NHVR has also committed to working with HVIA to understand where industry is experiencing difficulties and to facilitate ways to resolve these issues.

HVIA members assisted in developing the technical requirements of the tipper body design code and the NHVR acknowledged the importance of continuing that cohesive working arrangement to ensure these implementation issues are resolved.

HVIA Chief Executive Todd Hacking commended the NHVR’s collaborative approach to seeing the updates succeed.

“I want to recognise Sal and his Vehicle Standards team for their willingness to engage with HVIA, our members and other affected parties to recognise the issues that are at play,” Mr Hacking said.

“The intention of these Standards is to ensure that Australia’s heavy vehicle fleet is both safe and productive, and we support their ongoing improvement.

“In this case, there are administrative and resourcing issues that are disrupting the approval process, and the economic flow-on effect is harmful to all parties involved in the design, manufacture and operation of heavy vehicles.

“We will work closely with the NHVR team and other stakeholders towards ensuring there is adequate capacity and resourcing to allow the updates to succeed when the transition period finishes next February.”