PBS experience in Australia under the National Heavy Vehicle Law (NHVL)
Les Bruzsa
Chief Engineer – National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR)
Who we are (NHVR) The NHVR is Australia’s independent regulator for all vehicles over 4.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass (except WA & NT). Within the scope of what we aim to achieve the NHVR is responsible for: • • • • • • • • •
National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS) management and accreditations, Fatigue, Electronic Work Diaries Compliance and enforcement, Chain of Responsibility, vehicle inspections Performance-Based Standards (PBS) Scheme vehicle design and access approvals; enabling innovation and efficiencies Heavy vehicle access permit applications Heavy vehicle standards modifications and exemption permits One set of national notices One set of national fees for NHVR services One set of national penalties On the 10th of Feb 2014 the new National Heavy Vehicle Law (NHVL) was implemented
Facilitate, Innovate, Regulate Improve heavy vehicle safety Improve productivity Harmonise laws and policies Improve access outcomes balanced against infrastructure and community considerations • Enable efficiency gains • Connect and engage with industry • • • •
What is PBS? • PBS aims to maximise the safe use of higher productivity vehicles by matching the right vehicles to the right roads • Alternative regulatory system – PBS requirements are set in National Law • Worlds first – only introduced into Australia Source: Byford • Nationally agreed Safety and Infrastructure Standards • The only truly national scheme
The PBS Process • Accredited PBS Assessors (design concept) and PBS Certifiers (built vehicle) • Design Approvals (DA) for concepts/designs – reviewed by an independent panel (PRP) with an advisory role • PBS Combinations are approved by NHVR • Vehicle Approvals (VA) for actual combinations – individual vehicles inspected and certified • Access by Permit or Notice
PBS related responsibilities of the NHVR Assessment and approval of PBS applications Approval of PBS vehicle certifications Authorisation of PBS Assessors and Certifiers One stop shop for PBS vehicle and access applications Facilitating access for PBS vehicles – PBS access decisions remain with the Road Managers • Maintenance of PBS approvals • Monitoring PBS operations – Compliance with PBS conditions – Demand for access • • • • •
Industry is embracing the PBS concept
NHVR PBS Experience – Exponential Growth
NHVR PBS Experience – Exponential Growth Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
PBS VEHICLE APPROVALS 34
54
48 45
40
2015 (467)
48 59
39
42 42
77
49 65
51
40 29
54
65
30
8 8 0
10
43
22 20
73
57
37
22
68
55
28 29 30
40
50
60
70
2013 (475) 2012 (411)
2015 increase (same period) 2014 - 37% 2013 - 64%
52
45 43
22
68
61
46
38
23
63
56
46
33
2014 (604)
80
Demand for road freight transport • In the period from 1971–72 to 2012–13 the total road freight estimate for Australia increased from 27.0 billion tkms in 1971-72 to 204.9 billion tkms in 2012-13
PBS Examples – PBS 20m Pm semi PBS Level 1 – 20m max overall length, 45.0t of GCM Productivity increase: from 20-22 pallets to 26 pallets (new designs with 28 pallets) A reduction of nearly a million litres of fuel annually for one transport operator A significant reduction of the number of trips to perform the freight task A blueprint design is available – no assessment is required
PBS Examples Quad-axle trailers
PBS Examples – improved logistics
PBS Examples – IOR Operation
PBS Buses • Pressure on public transport systems • Issue of mass limits and vehicle dimensions – Axle loads, dimensions including width and height
• PBS could provide the framework for future developments • PBS controls how a vehicle travels on the road
Safety • PBS vehicles have excellent safety record (6070% reduction of crash rates) • PBS vehicles are assessed and certified for safety • PBS has driven changes in vehicle design such as CofG height • Fewer vehicles with less exposure • Better drivers, better operational behaviour • Many operators choose EBS which includes roll stability and advanced braking
Perception Management • Role of the media • Education is needed
Working With Road Managers • When considering access for PBS vehicles, the NHVR must consult with the road managers • Consent is required to be able to issue a permit • 6 states and territories and 420 local councils • Councils cover “last mile” access to many locations • Education about high productivity vehicles is critical
The biggest challenge facilitating PBS is: Access • The classification of PBS networks is essential; • Local government support for the critical first and last mile of heavy vehicle journeys; • NHVR is dealing with around 450 local governments; • Each one of them has a statutory role to play under the NHVL; • Working with the road authorities to better facilitate the approach; • Success in obtaining pre-approvals for PBS Level 1 & 2A vehicles (typically truck and dog, prime mover semi and b-double combinations) from a large number of local councils; • Lack of knowledge about PBS combinations; • Proper engagement, not just consultation;
PBS Access Permits
Electronic Work Diary (EWD) Implementation • • • • •
•
•
The NHVR will introduce the regulatory use of EWDs as a voluntary alternative to the Written Work Diary (WWD) in 2017 The regulatory use of EWDs is supported by the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) and the HVNL Amendment Bill 2015 WWDs are currently used by drivers of fatigue-regulated heavy vehicles in Australian jurisdictions which participate in the HVNL, to record work and rest hours The NHVR is engaged with Transport Certification Australia (TCA) in the planning stage The implementation will involve finalising the EWD Functional and Technical Specification and developing certification processes for EWD Service Providers and systems The introduction of EWDs is a key example of regulatory bodies collaborating with industry to develop innovative technological solutions that enhance safety and sharpen productivity outcomes Preliminary productivity benefits are estimated to be upwards of $200 million in savings to transport operators, EWD system managers and authorities over five years
Electronic Work Diary (EWD) Benefits •
A pilot study completed in 2013 found there were safety and productivity benefits for operators and regulators –
•
The pilot concluded thatIn terms of safety, EWDs improve compliance through: – – –
• • •
Having reliable work and rest data in an electronic form can make it easier for drivers and operators to comply with fatigue rules as well as address compliance risks and inefficiencies. improved data accuracy and transparency to drivers, transport operators and authorised officers provision of real time data which enables transport operators to respond immediately to actual breaches and monitor performance over time in-vehicle driver information which enables drivers to plan their work and rest and take action to avoid breaches when alerted.
As a result of improved compliance with fatigue rules, EWDs are expected to ultimately contribute to a reduction in heavy vehicle crashes The implementation will manage privacy of driver data records EWD Service Providers may also provide extra commercial features which do not interfere with the regulatory functions of the EWD
Electronic Work Diary (EWD) Framework •
EWDs are being made available though the National Telematics Framework - a nationally-agreed, sustainable environment to support the current and emerging needs of government, industry sectors and end-users.
•
The National Telematics Framework promotes the principle of 'one box, many uses' facilitating regulatory and commercial applications to operate simultaneously - reducing the cost to transport operators of telematics hardware and service provision.
•
The National Telematics Framework has been recognised by the International Standards Organisation (ISO) - ISO 15638 - Intelligent Transport Systems - Framework for Collaborative Telematics Applications for Regulated Freight Vehicles - as a best practice approach to facilitate the sustainable use of telematics and related intelligent technologies.
Regulatory Compliance •
To support the consistent treatment of operators by on road enforcement officers in the application of HVNL provisions, NHVR has: – Developed the National Compliance and Enforcement Guidelines – Established the National Support Network to assist jurisdictions in applying a consistent approach to their compliance activities; – Provides jurisdictions with advice on specific operational matters through National Operational Advice (NOAs) and General Advice statements;
•
Issued 5 Compliance & Enforcement Industry Bulletins – – Carriage and Presentation of Documents – Heavy Vehicle Defects – Heavy Vehicle Dimension Assessment – Heavy Vehicle Mass Assessment – Restricted Access Vehicles
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