THE Zero Emission Heavy Vehicle (ZEHV) access trial is set to become permanent this month, in what has been hailed as a win for truckies and the environment.
Transport for NSW initiated a two-year ZEHV access trial in May 2024 to support the industry to transition to environment and cost-friendly vehicles.
The trial has reportedly allowed three eligible zero emission heavy vehicles to use parts of the NSW road network with extra weight for batteries or hydrogen systems, subject to conditions under a Mass Exemption Notice.
It was introduced as part of the NSW Government’s Towards Net Zero Emissions Freight Policy, which aims to reduce emissions across the road and rail freight transport sector.
This is one way that Transport for NSW is working with industry to ensure the future sustainability of the freight transport sector and to help achieve the NSW Government’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
The initial trial has enabled Transport for NSW to better understand how emerging zero emission heavy technology operates on the network and provided an evidence base for future decisions.
It also demonstrated that operators need certainty of access to support investment, and that road managers need better vehicle data to inform maintenance planning and infrastructure management.
Following the trial’s success, Transport for NSW has decided to make the Notice permanent from 27 May.
Eligible vehicles operating under the Notice are allowed up to 8 tonnes on a single steer axle and up to 18.5 tonnes on the tandem drive axle, where the overall gross vehicle mass does not exceed 26 tonnes.
All zero emission heavy vehicles operating under Notice must now be enrolled in the Telematics Monitoring Application with a Smart On-Board Mass system through Transport Certification Australia.
This change in telematics requirements simplifies arrangements by establishing a single requirement for all zero emission heavy vehicles in NSW, aligned with Queensland and Victoria.
Transport for NSW executive director freight, Scott Greenow, said this was a win for zero emission heavy vehicle drivers, as well as the environment.
“The updated telematics requirements will improve the data available over time, helping us to shape a more effective long-term approach to managing these vehicles on the network,” Mr Greenow said.
“Improved utilisation data can help expand access for zero-emissions vehicles and inform infrastructure investment and maintenance decisions.
“By making this notice permanent, eligible zero emission heavy vehicle operators are back on a level playing field with their diesel counterparts, while continuing to enjoy the financial and environmental benefits of their new technology.”