Performance based standards

The Performance Based Standards (PBS) Scheme provides industry additional opportunities to innovate, resulting in improved productivity for a given freight task, safer performance and the least possible effects on roads and bridges. The scheme focuses on how well the vehicle behaves on the road, rather than how big and heavy (length and mass) it is, through a set of safety and infrastructure protection standards.

The Performance Based Standards Review Panel manages the assessment and approval of applications for vehicles under the scheme with the assistance of the National Transport Commission*. The approval includes the performance level applicable to the particular vehicle design. After receiving the approval, applicants then apply to individual jurisdictions for access to the road network via a Performance Based Standard permit.

The basic principle is that heavy vehicles seeking wider access to the road network must meet tougher safety standards. For example, a level 2 vehicle must be assessed and approved to safety standards (turning, stability, road space) consistent with level 2 road characteristics (lane width, traffic volume and so on).

Two classes of network access have been identified nationally, Performance Based Standards class A and Performance Based Standards class B.

Performance Based Standards class A vehicles in Queensland can access the road network detailed in Table one with a Performance Based Standards permit, as follows:

Table one: Performance Based Standards class A performance levels, maximum vehicle lengths and applicable routes

Performance based standards vehicle performance level	Maximum vehicle length	Equivalent prescriptive access	Applicable routes
Level 1	20 metres (m)	General access	All roads in Queensland.†
Level 2A	26 m	25 m B-double routes	B-double and road train routes as listed in the Multi-combination vehicles page.
Level 3A	36.5 m	Road train (type 1) routes
Level 4A	53.5 m	Road train (type 2) routes

† Subject to a 50 tonne (t) gross mass limit, posted local restrictions and restrictions or limitations specified by the asset owner responsible for the management of the road network (Department of Main Roads, local government, Queensland Rail, private owner).

Maximum vehicle lengths for Performance Based Standards class B categories are longer than class A. The increased vehicle length could potentially affect road classification aspects such as:

• stacking distances at intersections and railway level crossings
• warning times at railway level crossings
• signal timing and storage length at intersections
• overtaking provision
• enforcement bays and rest area sizes.

PBS Class B vehicle combinations are longer than currently allowed freight vehicles.

Due to increased vehicle length issues, Performance Based Standards class B road classifications will only be implemented where a higher standard road is assessed as being capable of safely carrying longer vehicles. For this reason, the assessment and classification of relevant road segments into Performance Based Standards level 2B, 3B and 4B will be undertaken on an 'as requested' basis with a focus on road networks of strategic significance. Performance Based Standards vehicle performance levels and corresponding maximum vehicle lengths are detailed in Table two.

Table two: Performance based standards class B performance levels
and maximum vehicle lengths

Performance based standards vehicle performance level	Maximum vehicle length
Level 2B	30 m
Level 3B	42 m
Level 4B	60 m