Estimating the Benefits of Performance-Based Standards Vehicles

Performance-based standards (PBS) is a flexible nonprescription framework for regulating the weight and dimensions as well as network access of road freight vehicles. Procedures for implementing PBS in Australia are based on national assessment with state-based access permits. Procedures were developed for estimating the financial and economic benefits associated with the implementation of performance-based vehicles in Australia between 2011 and 2030. Two options for changing the current assessment and access framework to a state or regional scheme or a national scheme were examined. An economic analysis was made of each implementation option to identify the option that provides the highest level of net benefits. The benefits for each implementation option, including the direct operating cost savings, crash cost savings, and reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions were estimated. The direct operating cost savings were determined for each vehicle class. The crash cost savings were estimated on the basis of the assumed distances traveled by vehicle class. The reduction in CO2 emissions was calculated for the distances traveled by vehicles as well as the difference in fuel consumption between existing and PBS vehicles. The administration and compliance costs for all options were small compared with the benefits. Flow-on economic benefits were also determined. All options were considered to produce substantial net benefits. However, the national scheme for both assessment and access provides substantially higher net benefits.