Toll seeks wider use of HPVs

[kscarbel2]

Australasian Transport News / March 6, 2015

Toll says high productivity vehicles (HPVs) and performance-based standards vehicles could provide at least one answer to Australia’s national road toll.

In its submission to the ongoing Senate Inquiry into Aspects of Road Safety, Toll highlights the role that innovative technologies and vehicle designs can have in the fight to reduce road trauma.

In particular, it says HPVs have "demonstrably better" safety outcomes when compared to conventional heavy vehicles.

"But [HPVs] are under-utilised because of conservative permitting and access regimes," the company laments.

"HPVs differ from other heavy vehicles in that they are designed around performance outcomes rather than built to prescriptive rules.

"This allows designers to innovate and maximise freight productivity while conforming to safety and stability outcomes."

Currently, HPV designs need to be approved on a case-by-case basis.

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator will also limit the vehicle’s use to a specified network of roads.

Toll has at least four business units operating HPVs, including Toll Energy.

The AB-triple pictured works a regular run between its site southwest of Alice Springs and Port Augusta in South Australia.

Toll says there is a further need for a broader education campaign, to improve the on-road relationships between car and truck drivers.

"Toll Group understands that the size of HPVs can discomfort other road users and supports ‘share the road’ campaigns designed to foster co-operation and mutual understanding between light and heavy vehicle drivers," it says.

That cooperation, together with safer vehicles, drivers, and roads, will provide the best environment for a significantly lower road toll.

.