CVIAA at tipping point

18 DECEMBER 2023

The Commercial Vehicle Industry Association of Australia (CVIAA), the heavy vehicle division within the Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA), calls for the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) to urgently provide direct advice to industry regarding how it will implement the J4 tipper code.

MTAA CEO Geoff Gwilym said: “CVIAA was the first to inform NHVR of the industry’s concerns related to the tipper stability calculations – considered overly complex and difficult to meet the prescribed standards. It has been CVIAA’s long-standing position that the NHVR should move the J4 tipper body design code stability calculations into a Vehicle Standard Guide (VSG) and that it should not be a part of VSB 6. It is worth noting that the stability calculations only affect modified heavy vehicles (not OEM tippers, prime movers, semi-trailers or dog trailers).  

“CVIAA understands the NHVR may be working through industry feedback. However, as the February extension date draws closer, the industry must know what to expect regarding their obligations. With only two weeks out from the new year, an announcement before the Christmas shutdown would be most welcome. At the very least, the industry calls for an extension beyond the current February 2024 date.

“Direct advice from the NHVR will ease uncertainty and help our industry partners get safer heavy vehicles back on the road,” said Mr Gwilym.