Assessing the effectiveness of the PBS scheme

We reviewed the effectiveness of the Performance-based Standards (PBS) scheme and how it works to find new ways of improving the scheme.

The review considered:

whether the PBS scheme was meeting its original policy intent
whether the scheme created barriers to operating as an effective mechanism for the development, sale and commercialisation of innovative vehicles
the productivity, safety and environmental impacts of the scheme
possible improvements to the system (including the potential removal of any unnecessary market barriers or administrative costs).

Project outcomes

In May 2018, transport ministers approved recommendations to improve the scheme and encourage investment in a greater number of safer, more efficient heavy vehicles on Australian roads.

We are working with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, the heavy vehicle industry and all levels of government to implement these recommendations.