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Spray suppression requirement removed for FIRS trucks

Federal Government scraps regulation requiring B-doubles to be fitted with spray suppression devices.

 

Trucking operators with federally registered B-doubles will no longer need to fit spray suppression devices to them.

The Federal Government has removed the regulation requiring the devices for trucks registered under the Federal Interstate Registration Scheme (FIRS).

The move brings the FIRS regime into line with requirements for B-doubles under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), which does not require spray suppression devices.

Federal infrastructure minister Warren Truss says the devices, which are guards fitted around a B-double’s wheel arches to provide greater visibility for motorists in wet weather, are unnecessary.

“In practice, these devices have been found to be ineffectual in reducing tyre spray on wet roads, but impose a significant cost on truck operators who have to fit and maintain them,” Truss says.

“Research indicates the spray suppression devices provide no added safety benefit to other road users, like standard mudguards, that are already installed on all such vehicles.”

Truss says the removal of the regulation will save the trucking industry about $8.3 million a year.

“This is a victory for common sense and will remove yet another barrier for the heavy vehicle industry in moving freight across our borders efficiently and productively,” he says.

“The new regulatory arrangements are effective immediately.”

The National Transport Commission (NTC) recommended back in 2011 for an end to the requirement for spray suppression devices.

Until the introduction of the HVNL, only Western Australia and the Northern Territory did not mandate them.

The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) has welcomed the Federal Government’s decision

“Removing the requirement will save interstate trucking operators about $5,800 on a typical new B-double set and a further $1,640 per set per year in maintenance costs,” ATA CEO Stuart St Clair says.

The HVNL is in force in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory.

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