The wait is over – the HVNL review Regulation Impact Statement

The Consultation Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) has finally been issued following the review of the HVNL. It sets out the National Transport Commission's views on what shape the revised HVNL should take, the main areas for improvement being:

• improving vehicle access – negotiating access along a full route can be a nightmare. The RIS proposes that access is eased by increasing the general mass and dimension limits for 'as-of-right' access
• a more efficient, streamlined Performance-Based Standards (PBS) scheme – getting a vehicle approved under the PBS scheme is expensive, time-consuming and uncertain. The RIS proposes to give the NHVR authority to approve any application; linking PBS approval with access, so both can be processed together; allowing manufacturers to self-certify compliance with existing PBS approved designs, all to streamline the process