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

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Legislation au C2019G00891 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 2019 (No.2)

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 2019 (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 the date of its publication.

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 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 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

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

 

a)      Adams Lane.

 

(4)    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; and

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

c)       Complies with the following mass requirements:

 

  1. 79.5 tonnes when operating at General Mass Limits; and
  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.

 

Note: the requirements in Appendix 1 do not apply to Port of Brisbane Roads.

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. 

11     Conditions – Higher Mass Limits for Port of Brisbane Roads

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

12     Conditions – General

(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.

 

13     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 (Network Operations)

National Heavy Vehicle Regulator

 


Appendix 1: Eligible A-Double Axle Spacing Requirements

The conditions in this Appendix do not apply to Port of Brisbane roads.

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.2) was enacted to address the need for performance-based standards to govern the operation of A-double heavy vehicles on specific routes between Toowoomba and the Port of Brisbane, facilitating efficient freight transport while ensuring safety and compliance with national heavy vehicle regulations. This Notice was made under section 138 of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), which was enacted by the Australian Parliament, with the policy objective of harmonising heavy vehicle regulations across the nation. The Notice revokes and replaces the previous authorisation, providing updated standards and conditions for eligible PBS A-doubles, which must comply with specified mass, length, and axle spacing requirements, and be approved by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR). This legislative measure aims to enhance the safety and efficiency of heavy vehicle operations on designated routes, ultimately contributing to the broader goal of national heavy vehicle law harmonisation. The Notice sets out the conditions for the operation of eligible PBS A-doubles on the approved routes between Toowoomba and the Port of Brisbane, including the requirement for drivers to carry specific documentation and adhere to speed limits. The Notice also outlines the conditions for A-doubles operating at higher mass limits and provides detailed axle spacing requirements for eligible vehicles. It specifies the approved routes and roads where eligible PBS A-doubles can operate, and mandates that drivers of such vehicles carry a copy of this Notice and their PBS Vehicle Approval at all times. This authorisation ensures that heavy vehicle operations on these routes are conducted in a safe and compliant manner, in line with the objectives of the Heavy Vehicle National Law.

Scope and Application

The Queensland Class 2 Performance Based Standards A-Double (Toowoomba to Port of Brisbane) Authorisation Notice 2019 (No.2) applies to eligible Performance Based Standards (PBS) A-Double vehicles, which are combinations consisting of a prime mover towing two semitrailers, operating within the state of Queensland. These vehicles must meet specific requirements to operate on the approved routes, including compliance with axle spacing and mass requirements as outlined in the Notice and its appendices. The Notice authorises the use of these vehicles on a special PBS network running from Toowoomba to the Port of Brisbane, up to a Gross Combination Mass of 85 tonnes, provided they comply with all stipulated conditions. This includes carrying necessary documentation such as the Notice itself and the PBS Vehicle Approval while operating. The Notice also specifies the approved routes, which include major highways and roads in Toowoomba and the Port of Brisbane, and sets out operational conditions such as speed limits and the need for explicit consent for vehicles operating at higher mass limits. The Notice is made under the Heavy Vehicle National Law and will expire on 8 October 2023.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Queensland Class 2 Performance Based Standards A-Double (Toowoomba to Port of Brisbane) Authorisation Notice 2019 (No. 2) detail the authorisation for eligible Performance Based Standards (PBS) A-double vehicles to operate on specified routes up to a Gross Combination Mass (GCM) of 85 tonnes. This Notice, which revokes and replaces the previous authorisation notice, is made under section 138 of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL). It specifies the conditions under which PBS A-doubles can operate on a network from Toowoomba to the Port of Brisbane, including the routes they can access and the requirements they must meet. The Notice also provides detailed axle spacing requirements for eligible vehicles, which are outlined in Appendix 1. The Notice imposes several obligations on parties operating eligible PBS A-doubles. Operators must ensure that their vehicles meet all specified requirements, including compliance with PBS Vehicle Approval, axle spacing, mass limits, and maximum length. Drivers of eligible PBS A-doubles must carry this Notice and a copy of the PBS Vehicle Approval whenever operating under this Notice. Additionally, operators must comply with the Queensland Class 2 PBS A-Double Operators Guide, which includes requirements related to signage, Intelligent Access Program (IAP) Travel Conditions, On Board Mass (OBM) Requirements, and mass limits when operating at over 79.5 tonnes GVM. Breaching the provisions of this Notice can result in various civil and criminal consequences. For instance, operating a vehicle that does not comply with the specified mass and length requirements, or failing to carry the necessary documentation, can lead to penalties. The Notice does not explicitly state the penalties, but under the HVNL, contraventions can result in infringement notices or prosecution. The maximum penalties for breaches can include fines and, in severe cases, imprisonment, depending on the nature and severity of the breach. Furthermore, the Notice highlights specific conditions for higher mass limits and the need for express consent for A-doubles operating at up to 85 tonnes GVM. Operators seeking to operate at these higher mass limits must obtain a Class 2 access consent from the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) through the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) Portal. The case number for the application and TMR's consent must be recorded on the combination's Vehicle Approval. Failure to comply with these conditions can result in the vehicle being deemed ineligible for the PBS network, potentially leading to enforcement actions under the HVNL.

Legal classification tags

Area of Law
Environmental Law
Instrument
Gazette Notice
Concepts
Definitions & Interpretation
Conditions – Approved Routes
Conditions – PBS A-Doubles
Catchwords
Conditions – General
Conditions – Higher Mass Limits for Port of Brisbane Roads
Conditions – 81.5 to 85 tonne GVM A-Doubles operating under Higher Mass Limits

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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.