If you’re interested in building a heavy vehicle that does not quite meet the current standards, or have an idea for an innovative heavy vehicle that would manage your freight task in NSW more efficiently, then Performance Based Standards for heavy vehicles may be the solution you are looking for.
What is PBS?
Performance Based Standards (PBS) brings a different approach to vehicle regulation. It focuses on how the vehicle behaves on the road, rather than how big and heavy (length and mass) it is, through a set of safety and infrastructure protection standards. In other words, PBS governs what a vehicle can do, not what it should look like.
How does PBS work?
Designers can use engineering and technology innovation to build a heavy vehicle which complies to standards for vehicle stability, rollover risk; the ability to turn in traffic within a safe ‘envelope’ and manage ‘tailswing’; and measures to protect roads and bridges from excessive ‘wear and tear’.
PBS standards
There are 4 nationally agreed ‘footprints’ or access levels under PBS,to ensure vehicles developed under Performance Based Standards (PBS) are matched to the right road network, including local roads where appropriate. This is consistent with the principle of closely matching the vehicle fleet and road infrastructure for optimum safety and efficiency.
PBS Network Classification Guidelines – maximum vehicle/combination lengths
| Network Access by Vehicle Length, L (m) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Performance Level | Access Class ‘A’ | Access Class ‘B’ |
| Level 1 | L ≤ 20 | L ≤ 20 |
| Level 2 | L ≤ 26 | 26 < L ≤ 30 |
| Level 3 | L ≤ 36.5 | 36.5 < L ≤ 42 |
| Level 4 | L ≤ 53.5 | 53.5 < L ≤ 60 |
Further information on performance standards can be found on the NTC website at www.ntc.gov.au.
How do I apply?
- Firstly, contact Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) to discuss your PBS requirements by sending an email to pbs_applications@rta.nsw.gov.au. Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) will provide advice and support regarding vehicle design and network access that will assist you at the design concept stage, and help you obtain a level of confidence before proceeding with your application.
Details Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) will need to assist you include:
- Registered Operator’s name
- Registered Operator’s contact details
- ABN
- The blueprint of the vehicle you wish to get approved including axle spacings and mass
- The proposed routes for the vehicle
- A description of the freight task and vehicle load, if known
To view a map of routes that are available to be requested for PBS access, please follow the link at the bottom of this page.
- Once your vehicle design and proposed routes have been assessed as suitable by Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority), you will then need to lodge an application with the National Transport Commission (NTC) PBS Review Panel (PRP) to have your vehicle design approved. For more information about lodging an application:
- Visit the NTC website at www.ntc.gov.au
- Once your PBS vehicle has been approved by the PRP you can apply to Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) to register the vehicle in NSW and obtain network access by sending an email to pbs_applications@rta.nsw.gov.au. You will need to submit all relevant PRP Approval documents as part of your application as well as details of the applying Registered Operator.
Note: If your vehicle has already obtained PRP Approval and is registered interstate, you can skip straight to Step 3 and apply directly to Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) to obtain network access in NSW.
For any inquiries, please e-mail pbs_applications@rta.nsw.gov.au.