The ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) released Vehicle Standards Bulletin 6 (VSB6), Version 3.2 on 1 July, which saw the implementation of the J4 tipper body design code.
To provide time for modifications which were already underway, and allow industry to adjust to the new standards, an initial three-month period was provided for tipper bodies to be certified under the new requirements.
Following further review and consultation the NHVR will now extend the transitional arrangements for the implementation of the new design code to 1 February 2024.
NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto OAM, said the extension follows discussions with Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA) and Approved Vehicle Examiners (AVEs), with the NHVR considering it appropriate to extend the certification period a further four months.
“The extension to February 2024 will provide additional time for AVEs to become accredited by their jurisdiction’s accreditation scheme, familiarise themselves with the updated code, and allow tipper body manufacturers to make the necessary changes to their designs,” said Mr Petroccitto.
“It will also allow the NHVR to work with industry to address any queries relating to the new code and VSB6 Version 3.2 in general.”
HVIA Chief Executive Officer Todd Hacking said he wanted to recognise the NHVR for their willingness to engage with HVIA, its members and other affected parties to recognise the issues that are at play.
“The intention of these Standards is to ensure that Australia’s heavy vehicle fleet is both safe and productive, and we support their ongoing improvement,” Mr Hacking said.
“We will work closely with the NHVR team and other stakeholders towards ensuring there is adequate capacity and resourcing to allow the updates to succeed when the transition period finishes next February.”
Mr Petroccitto said the NHVR understands that some vehicle modifications are complex changes and require extensive design and work to complete.
“We are asking owners and modifiers that require the extension to February 2024, to apply to the NHVR for the extension so that we can monitor how industry is progressing as well as target any future communications.”
