CVIAQ is pleased to report that the NTC has finally released a draft policy and draft Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) for a 6.5t steer axle mass limit.

The increased mass limit would apply to heavy vehicles fitted with the latest (ADR80/01) Euro 4 engines, (UN ECE 93) Front Underrun Protection Systems (FUPS) and stronger (UN ECE 29) cabs. The current steer axle mass limit of 6 tonnes would continue to apply to other heavy vehicles.

The proposal which was born out of the CVIAQ and Truck Industry Council (TIC) industry paper “Trucks to Meet the Future Road Freight Task” provides an additional 500kg to the steer axle and therefore GVM of the vehicle.

"CVIAQ welcomes the release of the draft policy for an additional .5t for steer axles on safer trucks. CVIAQ and the TIC clearly demonstrated in our industry paper that it would be required for the viability of the next generation of vehicle in Australia. It is now up to the states and territories to implement this in a uniform way together with an effective program to communicate the requirements and benefits,” said Brett Wright CVIAQ Chief Executive Officer.

“An expedited agreement for an extra 500kg before the implementation of Euro 4 for new model heavy vehicles in 2007 is essential,” said NTC General Manager Safety & Environment Tim Eaton.

An increase in heavy vehicle charges to recover pavement damage from the proposed 500kg steer axle mass increase is not supported in the draft RIS.

Public comments on the proposal are welcomed by 22nd September, 2006. Click HERE for more information.