The announcement increases the overall width limit from 2.50 to 2.55 metres for new trucks that are fitted with a number of safety features.

These features include devices to reduce blind spots, electronic stability control, advanced emergency braking, a lane departure warning system, better reflective markings, and side guards to stop pedestrians and cyclists from being caught up under the rear wheels of trucks.

Additionally, several safety devices and sensors will be able to be fitted to trucks without counting towards width and length measurements.

These include front and kerb view mirrors, external parts of camera monitor systems, blind spot sensors, and cross-view mirrors.

Federal Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Carol Brown, said in announcing the change that the overall width limit for buses and trailers won’t change, however, they will also benefit from more safety devices being excluded from width and length measurements.

The change brings Australia’s truck width limits into line with those in many other countries and allows manufacturers to introduce the next generation of safer, cleaner, and more productive trucks, without needing costly re-design or re-engineering.