The low and zero emission heavy vehicle trial scheme, aims to support the introduction of more efficient, productive and safer heavy vehicles on the South Australian road network.
The scheme is a key step in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector and aligns with the South Australian Government’s goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 50% below 2005 levels by 2030, and to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
Eligible prime mover configurations
The scheme is available to any prime mover that is powered by:
- an electric motor with fixed or removable batteries
- a hydrogen engine
- a hydrogen electric motor
- a hybrid engine
- an ethically/sustainably sourced alternative fuel engine.
Any prime mover that is converted with a low and zero emission engine/motor must be manufactured on or after 1 January 2012 and have:
- air suspension system with effective dampers fitted (road-friendly suspension)
- front underrun protection device that meets the requirements of ADR 84/00.
- cabin that complies with UN ECE Regulation No. 29
- advanced emergency braking that meet the requirements of ADR 97/00.
- anti-lock braking systems that meet the requirements of ADR 35/07 and ADR 38/05.
- an electronic braking system or vehicle stability function that meets the requirements of ADR 35/06.
- lane departure warning systems that meet the requirements of UN ECE Regulation ADR 99/00.
- devices for indirect vision that meets the requirements of UN ECE Regulation No. 46.
- lighting and rear marking plates that meets the requirements of ADR 13/00, UN ECE Regulation 70 or VSB 12.
The following prime mover configurations are eligible to operate under the scheme:
Single steer tandem drive
The minimum required spacing between the steer axle and the first axle of the drive group is 3.2m.
Twin steer tandem drive
The minimum required spacing between the second steer axle and the first axle of the drive group is 2.5m.
Excluded prime mover configurations
Rigid truck and trailer combinations, and the following prime mover combinations are not captured in the scheme. However, access may be considered when applying for a route specific permit application through the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) NHVR portal and is subject to a structural assessment.
Single steer single drive
Single steer tri-drive
Twin steer tri-drive
Mass exemption
Eligible prime movers captured under the scheme may operate at masses that exceed statutory limits as defined below:
| Axle or axle group | Mass limit |
|---|---|
Single steer tandem drive prime mover | |
| Single steer | up to 7.5t |
| Tandem drive | up to 18.5t |
Twin steer tandem drive prime mover | |
| Twin steer | up to 12t |
| Tandem drive | up to 17t |
Vehicles operating under this scheme are not permitted to exceed the manufacturer’s mass ratings on any of the axles or axle groups of the combination.
A tyre section width of at least 385mm must be used when a single steer axle is loaded above 7.1t.
Trailer units must comply with statutory axle and axle group mass limits, for example, higher mass limits, except for trailers with quad axle groups, which are not permitted to exceed 21t.
For more information about mass and dimension limits, refer to the NHVR website.
Access arrangements
Operators of an eligible heavy vehicle combination captured under the scheme, may apply to access the following networks under a NHVR permit:
| Combination length limit | Network name | Eligible combinations |
|---|---|---|
| L≤20m | Low and zero emission heavy vehicle level 1A | Prime mover and semi-trailer |
| 20m<L≤26m | Low and zero emission heavy vehicle level 2A | B-double |
| 26m<L≤30m | Low and zero emission heavy vehicle level 2B |
B-double A-double |
| 30m<L≤36.5m | Low and zero emission heavy vehicle level 3A |
A-double
B-triple AB-triple BA-triple |
| 36.5m<L≤42m | Low and zero emission heavy vehicle level 3B |
AB-triple
BA-triple |
| 42m<L≤53.5m | Low and zero emission heavy vehicle level 4A |
A-triple
AB-triple BA-triple BAB-quad ABB-quad |
These networks can be viewed on South Australia’s pre-approved roads for low and zero emission heavy vehicles map.
Operators must comply with all travel restrictions displayed on the map and must check the Traffic SA website for road closures, detours, and travel restrictions prior to the commencement of any journey.
Operators must also have an appropriate Incident Response Management Plan.
Permits to access these networks are issued for a maximum of 12 months and are subject to the application of a telematics monitoring application - ie TMA, with smart onboard mass management.
Operators with eligible vehicles may access these networks under a NHVR access permit. Permits can be obtained by submitting a class 3 Custom OSOM permit application to the NHVR. Applications must include axle mass and spacing details.
For information regarding telematics monitoring under this scheme please visit the Transport Certification Australia’s website.
If you have questions about the scheme and how to participate, email the Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) at DIT.RoadFreightNetworks@sa.gov.au or phone 1300 334 640.
