The CVIAQ examined a proposal by the National Transport Commission to vary the Australian Vehicle Standards Rules (AVSR). The proposal covers several areas affecting heavy vehicles:

Rule 65 - Relation between axles in an axle group

(1) The axles in an axle group, except a twin-steer axle group, fitted to a vehicle with a GVM over 4.5 tonnes must relate to each other through a load-sharing suspension system.
(2) In this rule:
Load-sharing suspension system means an axle group suspension system that:
(a) is built to divide the load between the tyres on the group so that no tyre carries a mass over 10% more than the mass that it would carry if the load were divided equally; and
(b) has effective damping characteristics on all axles of the group.

The proposed changes will result in the following

Amend the definition of a load sharing suspension system to require load sharing between axles in an axle group, rather than individual tyres.

The CVIAQ supports this change as there is no detrimental effect on production costs or design.

Rule 128 - Performance of Braking Systems

This rule specifies the minimum performance requirements for vehicle braking systems, including combinations. It includes a requirement that a parking brake must be capable of holding a vehicle or combination stationary when positioned on a twelve percent gradient.

The proposed changes will result in the following

The vehicle or combination shall be positioned on a dry, smooth road surface, free from loose material and that the parking brake shall hold it stationary, whether or not the vehicle or combination is loaded.