HVIA has welcomed news that proposed amendments to truck and trailer width will be circulated for comment and further explorations into their productivity and cost impact.
The proposed amendments are the result of the Safer Freight Vehicles reforms, a process that was begun by the Department of Infrastructure in April of this year.
HVIA Chief Executive Todd Hacking said members want trucks and trailers to be treated separately.
“On one hand there are significant benefits to bring truck width into line with European standards,” Mr Hacking said. “The last thing we want to do is hold up progress on that issue.
“On the other side of the coin, however, adding 50mm to trailer width is not going to deliver productivity gains in most cases.
“It will introduce huge retooling costs and expensive redesigns for virtually every Australian trailer builder.
“It is difficult to find a case for making such a monumental and expensive change unless there is a parallel benefit.”
Mr Hacking said HVIA welcomed Assistant Minister Hogan’s advice that the Government will issue a Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) to assess likely impacts for truck and trailer manufacturers, freight operators, and the broader community.
“We commend the Government for announcing its proposed pathway forward on this important issue,” Mr Hacking said.
“The issue would not be on the table if industry hadn’t call for the review, however we have to ensure that this initiative doesn’t create unintended casualties.”
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