The Performance-Based Standards (PBS) scheme needs to be reformed to deliver guaranteed road network access and more consistent bridge assessments, the Australian Trucking Association (ATA) heard.
The claims came from the Chair of the ALRTA’s PBS Access Working Group, Athol Carter, who addressed the ATA’s member council on the latest developments in the PBS, referencing his presentation at the ATA’s Technical and Maintenance Conference (TMC 2025), held in October.
“High productivity and PBS vehicles carry freight more productively and with fewer greenhouse emissions,” said Carter.
“Reforming PBS would support the Government’s Net Zero roadmap, but we need more insights from operators.
“Our PBS Access Working Group will meet regularly as we develop an industry reform proposal.”
Carter invited interested industry parties to review and comment on his TMC presentation.
Established in 1985, the ALRTA is the peak body representing rural road transport businesses that service the agricultural supply chain, promoting safety, responsibility, and productivity in rural road transport.
The PBS scheme, administered by the NHVR, allows heavy vehicle operators to use innovative and optimised vehicle designs to improve productivity, safety, and sustainability.
The scheme is based on matching the right vehicle to the right freight task. PBS vehicles are therefore assessed against strict safety and infrastructure standards to ensure they can perform specific tasks safely and efficiently.
The PBS also aims to reduce the number of heavy vehicles on the road by making them more productive and efficient.
To have your say on the PBS and the ALRTA submission, contact Tim Weir.
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