If you are interested in building a heavy vehicle that does not 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 (PBS) may be the solution you are looking for.
What is PBS?
Performance Based Standards (PBS) is a national program that allows a new approach to heavy vehicle access regulation. The scheme focuses on how a vehicle performs on the road, rather than the traditional 'prescriptive vehicle' regulations regarding length and mass.
How does PBS work?
PBS encourages vehicle manufacturers and designers to think innovatively about engineering design and modern vehicle technologies to create higher-productivity heavy vehicles that comply with the PBS Standards. The PBS standards include 16 stringent safety standards and four infrastructure standards to ensure that a vehicle can stop, turn and travel safely without damaging roads and bridges.
On 21 January 2013, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) took over the administration of the PBS scheme from the National Transport Commission (NTC). The NHVR will administer the PBS scheme design and vehicle approvals on a national basis. This means that for all PBS design and vehicle approvals, you no longer deal directly with the NTC, and must apply to the NHVR.
Further information on PBS vehicle standards can be found on the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) website.
PBS Road Network Access
The operation of PBS vehicles in NSW is implemented by vehicle specific permits. These permits include details of the conditions of operation and road network access permitted for that specific vehicle.
There are four nationally agreed ‘footprints’ or access levels under PBS. Each of the four performance levels have two access classes - Class A and Class B. This ensures vehicles developed under the scheme are matched with the appropriate network. This is consistent with the principle of closely matching heavy vehicle combinations with the right road network, taking into account varying infrastructure types and vehicle performance to ensure 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 |
Not all sections of the NSW road network are suitable for heavy vehicle access. Operators of PBS vehicles in NSW are required to obtain a vehicle specific permit.
NSW PBS indicative networks (based on networks available for similar length prescriptive heavy vehicle combinations) are provided to show the routes that may be requested for PBS road network access in NSW.
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) as the administrator of the PBS scheme will determine whether or not a vehicle meets the PBS vehicle standards. All previous approval letters issued by the National Transport Commission (NTC) will continue to be recognised in relation to determining the vehicle's road network access in NSW.
How do I apply for PBS and road network access?
- Lodge an application with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) to have your vehicle design assessed by a certified PBS Assessor. For more information on how to apply to the PBS scheme with the NHVR, visit the NHVR website.
- Once NHVR Design Approval has been received, you may apply for in-principle road access approval for NSW and/or have your design built and certified by a PBS Certifier.
Applications to RMS for in-principle road access approval for NSW require the applicant to provide the following information:- A completed PBS In-Principle Road Access Application for NSW.
- NHVR Design Approval Letter*.
- Swept path diagrams for the proposed vehicle (supplied at a scale of 1:200 and include a scale bar) containing the following:
- 12.5 metre turning radius
- 15.0 metre turning radius
- 20.0 metre turning radius
- 30.0 metre turning radius
- The proposed routes for the vehicle using the PBS Road Access Request Form for NSW.
- Once NHVR Vehicle Approval has been received, you may need to obtain a permit from the relevant State and/or Territory road agencies. PBS vehicles operating in NSW are required to obtain a vehicle specific permit.
Applications to RMS for a permit to operate a PBS vehicle in NSW require the applicant to provide the following information:- A completed PBS Permit Application Form for NSW.
- NHVR Vehicle Approval Letter*.
- Swept path diagrams for the PBS Level 2 vehicle or above (supplied at a scale of 1:200 and include a scale bar) containing the following:
- 12.5 metre turning radius
- 15.0 metre turning radius
- 20.0 metre turning radius
- 30.0 metre turning radius
- The proposed routes for the PBS Level 2 vehicle or above using the PBS Road Access Request Form for NSW.
- PBS In-Principle Road Access Approval (if applicable).
* The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) as the administrator of the PBS scheme will determine whether or not a vehicle meets the PBS vehicle standards. All previous approval letters issued by the National Transport Commission (NTC) will continue to be recognised in relation to determining the vehicle's road network access in NSW.
Note: If your vehicle has already obtained NHVR Vehicle Approval or NTC Final Approval and is registered interstate, you can go straight to Step 3 and apply directly to RMS to obtain a permit to operate the PBS vehicle in NSW.
In-principle road network access
Road network access for PBS vehicles is provided by the relevant State and/or Territory road agencies. In NSW, to provide you with a level of confidence that your required road network access is possible before proceeding with the PBS vehicle design, an in-principle road access request may be requested, at any time prior to obtaining the NHVR Vehicle Approval.
Applications to RMS for PBS in-principle road access approval require the applicant to provide the following information:
- A completed PBS In-Principle Road Access Application for NSW.
- The blueprint of the vehicle you wish to get approved including axle spacings and required axle group masses.
- Swept path diagrams for the proposed vehicle (supplied at a scale of 1:200 and include a scale bar) containing the following:
- 12.5 metre turning radius
- 15.0 metre turning radius
- 20.0 metre turning radius
- 30.0 metre turning radius
- The proposed routes for the vehicle using the PBS Road Access Request Form for NSW.
For any enquiries, please email pbs.applications@rms.nsw.gov.au.