<p>The National Transport Commission (NTC) and the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) have joined forces in an effort to demystify the terminology surrounding – and benefits linked to – the use of larger trucks.</p> <p>A Performance Based Standards (PBS) information kit for local governments was launched yesterday (Monday, July 9) at the Roads & Transport Congress in Newcastle. </p> <p>The information pack explains the benefits of SMART heavy vehicles for safe and efficient regional and urban road freight transport. It also outlines the important role of local councils, which are responsible for almost 80% of the road network, in the successful introduction of these reforms.</p> <p>ALGA has been a key member of the NTC’s PBS Policy Steering Committee. </p> <p>“Nearly every freight journey begins and ends on a local road,” ALGA president Paul Bel saidl.</p> <p>“As the growing freight task puts more pressure on the road system and our communities, we need to look at smarter ways of moving loads more safely and efficiently.</p> <p>“Councils need to understand how these reforms will be implemented and the implications of these new vehicle standards for their road systems.”</p> <p>The final ALGA/NTC PBS information kit will be circulated to Australia’s 700 local councils pending approval of the reform by the Australian Transport Council.</p> <p>PBS is a national transport productivity reform endorsed by the Council of Australian Governments.</p> <br />
