Freight operators now have a faster, more efficient route between the Victorian and Queensland borders with the Newell Highway open to higher productivity vehicles up to 30 metres in length.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said The Nationals in Government were committed to making it easier to move produce from paddock to plate and port.
“For the first time in history we are opening the entire Newell Highway for Performance Based Standards level 2B vehicles,” Mr Toole said.
“This is a real win for industry and local communities as just one of these vehicles can carry up to twice as much as a semi-trailer and up to one-third more than a 26 metre B-Double.
“This will allow operators to move freight more efficiently and reduce the number of trucks needed to carry the same volumes, resulting in less wear and tear on our roads.
“These vehicles also meet 16 tougher safety standards, including monitoring how long a driver has been at the wheel and improved braking and suspension.”
Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders said the freight industry was critical to NSW and contributed $66 billion to the state’s economy each year.
“The Newell Highway is a national freight route, travelling through the heart of Dubbo and supporting the local economy,” Mr Saunders said.
“With a prediction the volume of freight moving on roads is set to increase by nearly 90 per cent between now and 2056 it’s critical access for safer and more productive trucks continues to expand to meet future freight demands.”
Heavy vehicle operators are required to apply for an access permit to use PBS vehicles on the Newell Highway through the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator while Transport for NSW moves towards providing access to these networks under Notice.
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