More combinations eligible for pre-advised PBS Design Approval applications

On the 10^th of December 2020, the NHVR continued to expand the combinations allowed under the pre-advised (PA) Design Approval process. The expansion now means that combinations that contain a single or tri-axle drive axle group can now be approved without review of the PBS Review Panel, which significantly reduces the processing time for these Design Approvals. This change encapsulates most combinations operating under the PBS scheme.

Photo credit: Convair Engineering

For eligible combinations, significant time savings of 1-2 months can be expected. The summary of pre-advised combinations is tabulated below.

Vehicles carrying Dangerous Goods (DG) are permitted.
Prime movers with single, tandem and tri-axle groups are permitted.

Photo credit: Convair Engineering

If a combination does not meet the requirements of the table above, it is not eligible for the pre-advised process. In addition, combinations with a split-axle group, uncommon axle configurations (e.g. A-doubles with quad axles) or uncommon ADR exemptions (e.g. width) are also ineligible.

A notable combination still absent from the pre-advised process is the A-double which exceeds 30 metres, intended for Level 2 road access. Some jurisdictions (e.g. VIC. NSW & SA) allow for these types of combinations. It is expected that these designs, and other road trains will be introduced into the PA scheme as they become more common.

To find out more about your PBS options, please Contact Advantia.