Wider vehicles given access to road network

Heavy vehicles of up to 2.55 metres wide will now be provided with general access to Australia’s road network.

These wider vehicles are required to be fitted with additional safety features, including an enhanced set of devices for indirect vision, stability control, advanced emergency braking, lane departure warning, side underrun protection, and conspicuity markings.

Considered a significant step forward for heavy vehicle operators, the Safer Freight Vehicles reforms backed by the Federal Government and National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, now have the increased general width limit reflected in the Heavy Vehicle National Law.

Assistant Infrastructure and Transport Minister Carol Brown said reaching this stage had been a collaborative effort from the Australian Government, NHVR, states and territories, and the heavy vehicle industry.

“The Australian Government heard industry’s concerns that the previous width limits were a barrier to them installing critical safety technologies, and we have acted,” she said in a statement.

“By granting general access to vehicles up to 2.55 metres wide, we are promoting the highest level of road safety, supporting truckies to do their vital work more safely.”

It follows changes made by the Federal Government to the Australian Design Rules last October to allow an increase in the maximum width of heavy vehicles fitted with the most modern safety features, from 2.50 to 2.55 metres.

The NHVR will now start working with key industry associations to develop a process to allow existing vehicles already in-service to be certified as Safer Freight Vehicles, given only new vehicles are currently eligible.

This process is expected to be finalised in early 2025.

“The implementation of the Safer Freight Vehicles marks the completion of another action from the NHVR’s Vehicle Safety and Environmental Technology Uptake Plan,” said NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto.

“As a modern and progressive regulator, the NHVR wants to ensure heavy vehicles are equipped with the latest safety technology, and make sure there are no regulatory barriers when it comes to manufacturers identifying and installing new systems.

“This announcement is a game-changer for both operators and manufacturers, and will ensure the safest vehicles are available in Australia, helping keep all road users safe.”