Heavy vehicle National Law - Queensland Class 2 Performance Based Standards A-Double (Toowoomba to Port of Brisbane) Authorisation Notice 2019 (No.1)

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HEAVY VEHICLE NATIONAL LAW

Queensland Class 2 Performance Based Standards A-Double (Toowoomba to Port of Brisbane) Authorisation Notice 2019 (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.

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

Note: This Notice amends the list of available networks under s8(1).

 

2         Authorising Provision

This Notice is made under section 138 of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL).

3         Title

This Notice may be cited as the Queensland Class 2 Performance Based Standards A-Double (Toowoomba to Port of Brisbane) Authorisation Notice 2019.

4         Commencement

This Notice commences on 9 September 2019.

5         Expiry

This Notice expires on 8 October 2023.

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

This Notice applies to Eligible PBS A-Doubles operating in Queensland.

8         Conditions – Approved Routes

(1)    An eligible PBS A-Double may  operate on the following contiguous route between Toowoomba and the Port of Brisbane:

a)      Toowoomba Connection Road; and

b)      Warrego Highway; and

c)       Ipswich Motorway; and

d)      Logan Motorway; and

e)      Gateway Motorway; and

f)        Port of Brisbane Motorway; and

g)       Port Drive.

Note:  The Toowoomba Connection Road was formerly part of the Warrego Highway before it was re-aligned after the opening of the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing. It corresponds with the route through Toowoomba via Cohoe Street, James Street, Tor Street and Bridge Street. The Toowoomba Connection Road and the Warrego Highway intersect, and operators may use the most appropriate of these routes.

(2)    An eligible PBS A-double  may also operate on the following 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)    An eligible PBS A-double  may also operate on roads in Toowoomba Regional Council:

a)      Adams Lane.

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

9         Conditions –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 .

 

(3)    An eligible vehicle may use specified areas or routes at any time.

 

(4)    An eligible A-double combination must not exceed 90km/h.

 

 

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.

 

 

Peter Caprioli

Executive Director (Freight and Supply Chain Productivity)

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 Appendix .

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 Queensland Class 2 Performance Based Standards A-Double (Toowoomba to Port of Brisbane) Authorisation Notice 2019 (No. 1) was enacted to authorise A-double vehicles with a Gross Combination Mass (GCM) of up to 85 tonnes to operate on specific routes from Toowoomba to the Port of Brisbane. This Notice was introduced to address the need for more efficient and safer transport of heavy vehicles along this corridor, facilitating trade and economic activities. The Notice was made under section 138 of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) and is a legislative instrument of the Queensland Government. Its policy objective is to enable authorised vehicles to operate under defined conditions, ensuring compliance with safety, mass, and dimensional standards, while also contributing to the economic efficiency of freight transport. The Notice specifies the routes that eligible A-double vehicles can use and imposes conditions such as compliance with axle spacing, mass requirements, and speed limits. It also mandates that drivers carry certain documents and adhere to operational guidelines set out in the Queensland Class 2 PBS A-Double Operators Guide. This legal framework ensures that the heavy vehicles operating under this authorisation do so in a manner that is safe and compliant with national standards, thereby mitigating risks associated with heavy vehicle transport in the region.

Scope and Application

The Queensland Class 2 Performance Based Standards A-Double (Toowoomba to Port of Brisbane) Authorisation Notice 2019 (No.1) applies to A-double heavy vehicles that meet specific performance-based standards and are operating in Queensland. The Notice permits eligible A-doubles to access a special PBS network running from Toowoomba to the Port of Brisbane, with a Gross Combination Mass of up to 85 tonnes. Eligible vehicles must have a current PBS Vehicle Approval, comply with the axle spacing and mass requirements specified in the Notice, and adhere to other conditions such as speed limits and mandatory documentation that drivers must carry. The Notice sets out the approved routes and conditions for operation, including restrictions on certain roads and speed limits. The Notice revokes and replaces the previous 2018 version and will expire on 8 October 2023. The application of the Notice can be extended or restricted through subordinate instruments issued under section 138 of the Heavy Vehicle National Law.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this Notice pertain to the authorisation of Performance Based Standards (PBS) A-doubles for a special PBS network running from Toowoomba to the Port of Brisbane, up to a Gross Combination Mass of 85 tonnes. Section 1 provides the purpose of the Notice, while Section 2 details the authorising provision under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL). Section 4 specifies the commencement date of 9 September 2019, and Section 5 indicates the expiry date of 8 October 2023. Section 6 defines key terms used in the Notice, including "A-double," "Eligible PBS A-Double," and "PBS Vehicle Approval." Section 8 outlines the approved routes, and Section 9 details the conditions for PBS A-Doubles, including the mass requirements and axle spacing requirements. The obligations and requirements imposed by the Notice include that an eligible PBS A-double must be manufactured in compliance with, and certified under, a PBS Vehicle Approval providing the PBS Final Approval. The vehicle must also comply with the axle spacing requirements in Schedule 1 of this Notice, the mass requirements of 79.5 tonnes when operating at General Mass Limits or 81.5 tonnes when operating at Concessional Mass Limits, and the manufacturers' ratings for any of the components of the A-double combination. Additionally, the mass stated in the PBS Vehicle Approval for the A-double combination must be adhered to, and the maximum length of the vehicle must not exceed 30 metres. The driver of an eligible PBS A-double must carry this Notice and a copy of the PBS Vehicle Approval whenever the vehicle is operating under this Notice. Furthermore, the driver must comply with the requirements set out in the Queensland Class 2 PBS A-Double Operators Guide. The Notice outlines various offences and penalties for breach. Section 128 of the HVNL provides that a person who contravenes a provision of the Notice commits an offence and is liable for a penalty. The maximum penalty for an individual is 20 penalty units, and for a body corporate, 100 penalty units. Additionally, a person who operates a heavy vehicle in contravention of a provision of the Notice commits an offence and is liable for a penalty of up to 20 penalty units for an individual and 100 penalty units for a body corporate. Finally, a person who causes or permits a heavy vehicle to be operated in contravention of a provision of the Notice commits an offence and is liable for a penalty of up to 20 penalty units for an individual and 100 penalty units for a body corporate.

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Definitions & Interpretation
Commencement Provisions
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Eligible PBS A-Double
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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.