Transport for NSW is performing a trial to allow zero emissions vehicles with increased mass limits on New South Wales roads, with the specifications laid out in a recently released notice.
The trial aims to provide concessions on mass limits for heavy LZEVs operating on the state road network to enable access. With batteries and fuel cells included, these vehicles carry greater weight, and need to be approved for road access independently of other heavy vehicles.
“Zero emission heavy vehicles require heavier masses than internal combustion engine (ICE) heavy vehicles and are provided an exemption under Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) as set out in the New South Wales Class 3 Zero Emission Vehicle Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice,” Transport for NSW says in the notice.
“Equivalent network conditions apply to zero emission heavy vehicles and ICE heavy vehicles currently on the network, with the addition of telematics to inform the trial, and some restrictions.
“Zero emission heavy vehicles must operate on their applicable zero emission heavy vehicles mapped network.”
It will be a two-year trial enabling broad access to support fleet transition to zero emission heavy vehicles and provide the evidence-base to inform ongoing access and management of the road network.
At this stage, access is not available to assets owned or maintained by third party or local road managers.
TfNSW says:
- The Notice has been designed following engagement with industry
- There is further work underway to continue to expand the Notice to capture other zero emission heavy vehicles such as twin steers, Truck and Dogs, A-doubles and Performance Based Standards (PBS) vehicles
- The trial applies existing equivalent vehicle type network conditions, and in addition requires single steer axles, limited to eight tonnes, to be fitted with 385mm tyres. Telematics will apply to all vehicles.
You can find more information here.
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