Attendees at HVIA’s mid-year Member Forums received key updates on coming changes to the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) from Aaron De Rozario, Executive Leader of Regulatory Reform at the National Transport Commission.
The update generated more discussion and questions from members than any other topic on the meeting agenda, and the NTC have now responded to the questions posed by HVIA members during the meeting.
For background, the changes to the HVNL include:
> General Mass Limits (GML) allowed for heavy vehicles will be increased to match the current Concession Mass Limits (CML); and
> The ‘General Access’ height limit will be increased from 4.3m to 4.6m and length limit from 19m to 20m, pending confirmation of further technical analysis and appropriate controls.
Further detail on the specifics of the changes is outlined in the NTC presentation which can be downloaded here.
The questions posed by HVIA members, and the responses from the NTC, are provided below. Reach out to Adam Ritzinger, HVIA’s Chief Technical Officer, at a.ritzinger@hvia.asn.au, for more information.
General Mass Limits To Concessional Mass Limits
Q: Are any existing regulations/notices relating to the use of Road Friendly Suspension (RFS) to access higher axle mass limits affected?
A: No. There are no changes to HML, therefore existing regulations/notices relating to RFS requirements will not be impacted.
Q: Are there any additional mass concessions allowed for twin-steer vehicles?
A: No. There are no additional mass concessions for twin steers arising from the GML to CML change.
Q: Will the existing ‘percentage of GML’ caps that apply to CML be removed? Further, will vehicles be able to operate at gross masses that are the sums of the modified GML axle group masses?
A: Tandem and triaxle mass limits will increase to their current CML equivalents. The five per cent gross mass restriction will be removed, but the cap on +one tonne increase for vehicles under 55 tonnes gross mass, and the +two tonne increase for vehicles over 55 tonnes gross mass, will remain.
Q: Are the QLD-specific additional CML concessions being maintained? Or increased?
A: The Qld specific concessions are delivered through a Class 3 Notice. The NTC’s understanding is that those mass concessions and notice specific requirements (ie Mass Management Accreditation) are being maintained. Any changes are a matter for the consideration of the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads, as the relevant road authority.
Q: Is the existing One Tonne Mass Transfer Allowance (1TMTA) being retained as is, or amended?
A: The 1TMTA allowance will be repealed.
Length
Q: What is the safety case for necessitating improved braking when vehicle length grows by one metre? What are the specific braking requirements?
A: Existing PBS Level 1 vehicles have been subjected to an assessment that ensures minimum performance outcomes are met. As the length increase will effectively see 20-metre combinations ‘exit’ the PBS scheme (from a length perspective), the proposed controls will provide for a similar performance outcome in lieu of an assessment.
Q: Which PBS level for swept path was chosen as the ‘benchmark’ for assessing length increases?
A: The PBS Level 1 limit of 7.4 metres was used.
Height
Q: What are the specific requirements on roll stability for vehicles operating at increased height? Do those same requirements apply to other vehicles presently allowed to operate at 4.6 metres (eg livestock, car carriers)?
A: Roll stability requirements, including consideration of implications for existing combinations, are still under active consideration. The proposed controls will see minimum braking requirements for rigid trucks and A-coupled combinations.
Q: Will the NHVR’s SRT/stability investigation results be released?
A: The release of the results is a matter for the NHVR. The NTC’s understanding is that NHVR intends to publish its findings in due course.
Q: Will the restrictions on rigid trucks towing two dog trailers also apply to combinations comprising a rigid truck towing two dollies and semi-trailers?
A: The proposed restriction is targeted at dog trailers with a ball race coupling that ‘more permanently’ joins the front axle group to trailer, unlike a converter dolly with a fifth wheel which can be easily separated in operation.
General
Q: How will the new requirements and rules be enforced? For example, complying with wheelbase/s dimension limits?
A: The NTC is working closely with the NHVR to communicate the changes and ensure requirements are understood in advance of the commencement date.