Australian Government Release New Guide ‘Safer Vehicles’ Package

On the 28th September 2023, the Australian Government released The Safer Freight Vehicles Package. This package increases the allowed width limit from 2.50m to 2.55m for new heavy vehicles that must be fitted with several safety features. This change brings Australia in line with Europe and the United States which already have the wider 2.55m trucks as standard, which enables Australia to access the latest generation of international and zero emission heavy vehicles out of Europe and the United States.

Any new truck that is 2.55m in width must come with safety features including:

• Reflective markings
• Enhanced devices for indirect vision
• Electronic stability control
• Advanced emergency braking
• Lane departure warning system
• Blind spot information system for cyclists
• Side underrun protection for vulnerable road users

According to the proposed Safer Freight Vehicle (SFV) reforms, any vehicles exceeding 2.50 metres in width would need to be fitted with the above safety features. This change will help reduce the number of road freight trips businesses will need to take, saving them money and lowering their environmental impact. Trucks fitted with these safety features will help save lives and prevent serious injuries to road users.

Heavy trucks account for only 2.4% of registered vehicles on our roads, yet they are involved in 16% of all road fatalities. Approximately 60% of persons killed in heavy truck crashes are light vehicle occupants, with another 20 per cent being vulnerable road users (motorcyclists, pedal cyclists or pedestrians)¹.

Quotes attributable to Federal Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Carol Brown:

“This Safer Freight Vehicles package responds to direct calls from the industry to increase the width limit of trucks and follows extensive public consultation and feedback.

“These changes will be a real game changer for industry, businesses and other road users, as they will save lives by adopting technology to reduce the likelihood of crashes, while also lowering freight costs and supporting better environmental outcomes.

“Our truckies play a vital role in the Australian economy and our day-to-day lives, ensuring we can access the food, medicines and other goods we need.

“Today’s announcement will mean they can carry out their work more safely and efficiently, so they and those they share the road with can get home safe at the end of each trip.”

More information: minister.infrastructure.gov.au
Author/Source: Australian Government

To read more about the Guide to Safer Freight Vehicles, click here (PDF, 422 KB).
To learn about the regulations and benefits of 3M Reflective conspicuity markings, click here.

1. Heavy truck safety: crash analysis and trends Information Sheet 78: Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities - Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics.