In a surprising twist of fate, Australia’s trucking industry is undergoing a remarkable transformation. The government’s decision to allow wider and safer trucks on the roads has sparked a wave of excitement and anticipation among industry players.
Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Carol Brown, recently announced a 5cm increase in width for new trucks, equipped with advanced safety features. This move, which aligns Australia with European standards, not only eliminates the need for costly truck redesigns but also paves the way for future advancements in electric and hydrogen fuel cell trucks.
With improved safety features such as better indirect vision, lane departure warning, side underrun protection, and high visibility marking, these wider trucks promise to enhance safety and productivity in the industry.
It is estimated that this change could generate a net benefit of over $500 million for the Australian economy.
This article explores the benefits of wider trucks, the improved safety features they offer, and the environmental considerations driving this revolutionary change in Australia’s trucking industry.
Key Takeaways
- The change is to come into effect from the 1st of October 2023.
- The Australian government has approved an increase in truck width to match the European standard (2.55m), allowing for safer and more advanced trucks on the roads.
- This decision will save the cost of redesigning European trucks for the Australian market and provide more options for operators, including zero tailpipe emission models.
- The new, wider trucks will have improved safety features such as better indirect vision, lane departure warning, side underrun protection, and high visibility marking.
- The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) has advocated for better blind spot mirrors and reached an agreement with the government to improve visibility while ensuring drivers can still use their mirrors as trained.
- The change in truck width is aimed at encouraging the rollout of electric and hydrogen trucks from overseas and attracting involvement from European OEMs in the local manufacturing market.
Industry Impact
The increase in truck dimensions is expected to have a significant impact on various sectors of the Australian economy. This change is part of the Safer Freight Vehicles package and aims to improve safety, reduce crashes, and lower freight costs.
The industry impact of this measure can be seen in the following ways:
- Enhanced efficiency: The increased width allows trucks to carry larger loads, resulting in improved productivity and reduced transportation costs.
- Competitive advantage: Local manufacturers will have access to the latest technology and models, attracting involvement from European OEMs and boosting the local manufacturing market.
- Environmental benefits: The wider trucks will facilitate the deployment of zero-emission vehicles, such as electric and hydrogen trucks, leading to a more sustainable transportation system.
- Safety improvements: New trucks are required to have safety features like blind spot reduction devices and advanced emergency braking, ensuring safer road conditions.
- Economic growth: The estimated net benefit of over $500 million to the Australian economy showcases the positive economic impact of these width changes.
Overall, the increase in truck dimensions is expected to bring positive outcomes for various sectors, fostering economic growth, enhancing safety, and promoting environmental sustainability.
Benefits of Wider Trucks
Implemented changes in truck regulations will bring significant positive impacts and benefits to various sectors, including the economy, road safety, and the environment.
The increased truck width limit of 2.55 meters will allow manufacturers to introduce safer, cleaner, and more productive trucks without the need for costly redesign or re-engineering. This will not only enhance road safety but also result in substantial economic gains, estimated to exceed $500 million for the Australian economy.
Australian trucks can now be aligned with international standards, reducing the need for costly redesigns. This will enable the adoption of advanced safety features, such as better indirect vision, lane departure warning, side underrun protection, and high visibility marking, which can significantly enhance road safety.
Additionally, the increased width will enable the deployment of zero-emission vehicles, such as electric and hydrogen trucks, leading to better environmental outcomes. This aligns with international market regulations and allows local manufacturers to access the latest technology and models.
Moreover, the wider trucks will result in lower freight costs as more goods can be transported in a single trip, leading to increased efficiency and productivity.
Overall, these changes are expected to have a positive impact on the trucking industry in Australia.
Implementation and Safety
The government’s decision to allow new trucks with safety features the increased width limit of 2.55 metres is aimed at improving road safety and productivity. Safety features such as devices to reduce blind spots, electronic stability control, advanced emergency braking, lane departure warning systems, reflective markings, and side guards will be required for the wider trucks.
The inclusion of safety features such as blind spot reduction devices and advanced emergency braking in new trucks will greatly enhance road safety. Additionally, the ability to fit additional safety devices and sensors without counting towards the width and length measurements will further improve safety standards.
Aligning with international market regulations will also provide local manufacturers with greater access to the latest technology and models. These advancements will not only enhance safety but also contribute to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the transportation industry.
These safety technologies are expected to save lives by reducing crashes and improving the field of vision for truck drivers, benefiting all road users, especially cyclists and pedestrians.
The implementation of these changes will require operators to engage with registration authorities for road access permits. Once registered on the Federal Register of Legislation, the new width limits will come into effect, allowing manufacturers to introduce safer, cleaner, and more productive trucks.
A Sustainable Future with EV Trucks
Australia’s recent decision to increase the width limit of trucks from 2.50 meters to 2.55 meters has sparked a revolution in the electric truck industry. This move, aimed at aligning the country with international standards, has been met with enthusiasm by the Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) and the electric truck industry.
It is expected to facilitate the adoption of electric trucks by Australian operators, making it easier and more cost-effective to transition to this greener form of transport. Trucks are a significant source of transport emissions, sitting at around one-fifth of Australia’s transport emissions. So, this change aligns with increasing the number of electric trucks on the road that will contribute to reducing these emissions, improving air quality, and cutting operating costs.
The EVC is urging the government to introduce a mass concession for electric trucks and develop a National Electric Heavy Vehicle Strategy to further support their adoption. This width limit change also promises to enhance productivity, freight efficiency, and safety in the transportation industry.
We know that the government has targets on emissions, and by embracing this change, Australia is taking a crucial step towards increasing the supply and affordability of electric trucks, ultimately driving the country towards a more sustainable future.
MMR Haulage is a wet hire tipper truck service based in the Moreton Bay area. Servicing areas from Brisbane to the top of the Sunshine Coast and all areas in between. Check out our interactive service area map on our home page to confirm your location in our service area, or give us a call for a chat – 0477 677 408