Heavy Vehicle National Law - Queensland Class 2 Performance Based Standards A-Double (Toowoomba to Port of Brisbane) Authorisation Notice 2018 (No.1)

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Legislation au C2018G00795 In force Gazette

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HEAVY VEHICLE NATIONAL LAW

Queensland Class 2 Performance Based Standards A-Double (Toowoomba to Port of Brisbane) Authorisation Notice 2018 (No.1)

1         Purpose

(1)    The purpose of this Notice is to authorise Performance Based Standards (PBS) A-doubles to access a special PBS network running from Toowoomba to Port of Brisbane up to a Gross Combination Mass of 85 tonnes.

Note: PBS vehicles are Class 2 restricted access vehicles under the Heavy Vehicle National Law. This notice provides for A-doubles that have PBS approval to PBS Networks.

 

2         Authorising Provision

(1)    This Notice is made under section 116 of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL).

3         Title

(1)    This Notice may be cited as the Queensland Class 2 Performance Based Standards A-Double (Toowoomba to Port of Brisbane) Authorisation Notice 2018.

4         Commencement

(1)    This Notice commences on the date of its publication.

5         Expiry

(1)    This Notice expires on five years after commencement.

6         Definitions

(1)    Unless otherwise stated, words and expressions used in this Notice have the same meanings as those defined in the HVNL.

 

(2)    In this Notice:

A-double means a combination consisting of a prime mover towing two semitrailers, with the first semitrailer being attached directly to the prime mover by a fifth wheel coupling, and the second trailer attached to the first by a converter dolly.

 

Eligible PBS A-Double means an A-double that meets the requirements of section 9 of this Notice.

 

PBS Vehicle Approval means a current approval issued for a heavy vehicle by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) under section 23 of the HVNL.

7         Application

(1)    This Notice applies to eligible combinations operating in Queensland.

8         Conditions – Approved Routes

(1)    An eligible PBS A-double combination may only operate on the approved PBS Level 2B roads on the following contiguous route between Toowoomba to the Port of Brisbane:

a)      Warrego Highway; and

b)      Ipswich Motorway; and

c)       Logan Motorway; and

d)      Gateway Motorway; and

e)      Port of Brisbane Motorway; and

f)        Port Drive.
 

(2)    In addition to the PBS Level 2B roads in (1), an eligible PBS A-double combination may only operate on the following network of roads in the Port of Brisbane:

a)      Port Drive

b)      Lucinda Drive (except the Lucinda drive bridge) – in case (3) below is missed.

c)       Bishop Drive

d)      Whimbrel Street

e)      Bingera Drive

f)        Curlew Street

g)       Bulk Terminals Drive

h)      Seafarers Street

i)        River Drive

j)        Peregrine Drive

k)       Sandpiper Avenue

l)        Port Central Avenue

m)    Kite Street

n)      Osprey Drive

o)      Howard Smith Drive

p)      Radar Street

 

(3)    Travel on Lucinda Drive Bridge is not permitted

 

(4)    In addition to the PBS level 2B roads in (1) and (2), an eligible PBS A-double combination may only operate on the following network of roads in Toowoomba Regional Council:

a)      Adams Lane

 

(5)    Travel is permitted (laden) in both directions for the approved route.

Note: The network in this section will be expanded in the future, specifically with the opening of the second Toowoomba Range Crossing. This notice will be updated with any changes to the network as they come into force.

9         Conditions – Eligible PBS A-Doubles

(1)    An A-double operating under this notice must meet all of the following requirements:

 

a)      Be manufactured in compliance with, and certified under, a PBS Vehicle Approval providing the PBS Final Approval; and

b)      Complies with the axle spacing requirements in Schedule 1 of this Notice; and

c)       Complies with the following mass requirements:

 

  1. 79.5 tonnes when operating at General Mass Limits; or
  2. 81.5 tonnes when operating at Concessional Mass Limits; ;and
  3. manufacturers ratings for any of the components of the A-double combination; and
  4. mass stated in the PBS Vehicle Approval for the A-double combination.

 

d)      Maximum length - 30 metres.

10     Conditions – 81.5 to 85 tonne GVM A-Doubles operating under Higher Mass Limits

(1)    In addition to all other conditions under this Notice, an otherwise eligible PBS A-double that has a Gross Combination Mass of up to 85 tonnes must have in its PBS vehicle approval an express provision stating that TMR has consented to the vehicle may operate under this Notice.

 

(2)    An operator with a PBS A-double combination seeking to operate at up to 85 tonne GVM that has not been previously assessed and approved by TMR for access on the Toowoomba to Port of Brisbane must seek a Class 2 access consent from TMR through the NHVR Portal. The Case Number for the application and reflecting TMR’s consent will be recorded on the combination’s Vehicle Approval.  

 

(3)    A-doubles accessing Port of Brisbane roads are able to operate at Higher Mass Limits ie, 85.5 tonnes, provided HML is stated in the PBS Vehicle Approval.

11     ConditionsGeneral

(1)    The driver of an eligible PBS A-Double must carry this notice whenever the vehicle is operating under this notice.

 

(2)    The driver of an eligible PBS A-Double must carry a copy of the PBS Vehicle Approval issued for the combination and this notice and comply with all conditions set out in it.

 

(3)    An eligible vehicle may use specified areas or routes at any time unless specified otherwise as a travel condition on the network.

 

(4)    An eligible A-double combination must not exceed posted signed limits or exceed 90kph.

 


12     Conditions - Queensland Class 2 PBS A-Double Operators Guide

 

(1)    An eligible PBS A-double operating under this notice must comply with the following requirements set out in the Queensland Class 2 PBS A-Double Operators Guide, as updated from time to time:

 

a)      Signage

b)      Intelligent Access Program (IAP) Travel Conditions

c)       On Board Mass (OBM) Requirements

d)      CML and HML requirements  when operating at masses over 79.5  tonnes GVM

Note: the Queensland Class 2 PBS A-Double Operators Guide is published by the NHVR and is available on the NHVR and TMR websites.

DATED 9 October 2018

Peter Caprioli

Executive Director (Access Management)

National Heavy Vehicle Regulator

 

 

 


Appendix 1: Eligible A-Double Axle Spacing Requirements

 

1         Conditions - Axle Spacing Requirements

(1)    Eligible vehicles operating under this Notice must comply with the axle spacing requirements set out in this Schedule.

A-double Reference Vehicle 1 (standard)

Table 1: Internal Spacing (centre to centre, measured in metres)

Between axles

1-3

2-6

4-8

7-11

1-6

2-8

4-11

1-8

2-11

1-11

min distance (m)

4.250

9.167

7.350

9.410

12.470

14.530

16.050

17.900

22.662

26.260

max distance (m)

6.098

10.220

8.325

10.600

14.280

15.450

16.950

19.394

24.620

28.233

A-double Reference Vehicle 2 (long cab)

Table 2: Internal Spacing (centre to centre, measured in metres)

Between axles

1-3

2-6

4-8

7-11

1-6

2-8

4-11

1-8

2-11

1-11

min distance (m)

4.940

8.968

8.040

9.518

12.735

14.437

16.265

18.123

22.635

26.255

max distance (m)

6.660

9.115

8.158

9.627

14.389

14.540

16.399

19.777

22.770

28.018

A-double Reference Vehicle 3 (short drawbar)

Table 3: Internal Spacing (centre to centre, measured in metres)

Between axles

1-3

2-6

4-8

7-11

1-6

2-8

4-11

1-8

2-11

1-11

min distance (m)

4.450

10.060

7.295

10.215

13.195

14.910

16.260

18.050

23.990

27.135

max distance (m)

4.570

10.220

7.300

10.340

13.405

15.075

16.380

18.260

24.145

27.345

 

 

Overview

The Heavy Vehicle National Law Queensland Class 2 Performance Based Standards A-Double (Toowoomba to Port of Brisbane) Authorisation Notice 2018 (No.1) was enacted to address the need for specific performance-based standards for A-double vehicles travelling on certain routes within Queensland. The Notice authorises A-doubles to access a special PBS network from Toowoomba to the Port of Brisbane up to a Gross Combination Mass of 85 tonnes. The enactment body was the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, and the policy objective is to ensure the safety and efficiency of heavy vehicle transport in the specified region by allowing authorised vehicles to operate on designated routes. The Notice specifies the conditions for vehicle eligibility, approved routes, and operational constraints to facilitate smoother and safer logistics operations. This legislative instrument aims to streamline heavy vehicle movement, particularly for freight operations between Toowoomba and the Port of Brisbane, under defined performance criteria.

Scope and Application

The Queensland Class 2 Performance Based Standards A-Double (Toowoomba to Port of Brisbane) Authorisation Notice 2018 applies to eligible A-double combinations operating within Queensland. These vehicles, which consist of a prime mover towing two semitrailers, are subject to specific conditions and requirements to ensure they meet the necessary standards for the special PBS network connecting Toowoomba to the Port of Brisbane. The Notice mandates that these vehicles must adhere to prescribed axle spacing and mass requirements, as outlined in the Notice and its Schedule, and must possess a valid PBS Vehicle Approval. Additionally, drivers of these vehicles are required to carry both the Notice and their PBS Vehicle Approval, ensuring compliance with all conditions stipulated within them. The Notice also specifies the approved routes and conditions under which these vehicles can operate, including restrictions on certain roads and speed limits. The Notice is made under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) and comes into effect upon publication, expiring five years later. It sets out detailed conditions for eligible PBS A-double combinations, including specific routes and mass limits, with additional provisions for those operating at higher mass limits. Subordinate instruments may further detail and expand upon these provisions, ensuring that the Notice remains adaptable to future changes and network expansions.

Key Provisions

This Notice, made under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), authorises certain A-double vehicles to operate on a special Performance Based Standards (PBS) network from Toowoomba to the Port of Brisbane, up to a Gross Combination Mass (GCM) of 85 tonnes. Eligible A-double vehicles must comply with specific conditions, including the vehicle’s PBS Vehicle Approval, axle spacing requirements, mass limits, and length restrictions. The eligible vehicles are restricted to specific approved routes and must not exceed posted speed limits or 90kph. The driver of an eligible vehicle must carry this notice and a copy of the PBS Vehicle Approval at all times. The Notice applies to eligible combinations operating in Queensland and will be updated as the network expands. Operators of eligible vehicles must adhere to the Queensland Class 2 PBS A-Double Operators Guide, which includes requirements for signage, Intelligent Access Program (IAP) Travel Conditions, On Board Mass (OBM) Requirements, and CML and HML requirements when operating at masses over 79.5 tonnes GVM. The guide is published by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) and is available on their website. Additionally, A-doubles with a GCM of up to 85 tonnes must have an express provision in their PBS Vehicle Approval stating that the Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has consented to the vehicle’s operation under this Notice. Operators seeking to operate at up to 85 tonne GVM must apply for Class 2 access consent from TMR through the NHVR Portal. Failure to comply with the conditions and requirements set out in this Notice may result in civil or criminal penalties. The specific penalties for breaches of the HVNL are not outlined in this Notice but may include fines and/or imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offence. The maximum penalties for breaches of the HVNL are set out in the legislation and may vary depending on the specific provision breached. It is important for operators to familiarise themselves with the requirements of this Notice and the HVNL to ensure compliance and avoid potential penalties.

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Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at 26 August 2026. For the latest information on Australian Government law please go to https://www.legislation.gov.au.