The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) will begin safety checks for Australia’s heavy vehicles in May.
NHVR is urging heavy vehicle operators to use its Daily Safety Checklist ahead of the second major health check of Australia’s heavy vehicle fleet.
Scott Buchholz, Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport, says this is an important initiative for Australia’s heavy vehicle operators to take part in.
“From next month the NHVR will undertake the second National Roadworthiness Survey, which will check the mechanical health of Australia’s heavy vehicle fleet,” Scott says. “Authorised officers from the NHVR and partner agencies across Australia will conduct a mechanical inspection of 8,000 heavy vehicles including trucks, buses and other special purpose vehicles.”
Michael McCormack, Deputy Prime Minister and Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Minister, says heavy vehicle operators should take a few minutes before each trip to check basic safety items on their vehicle. “A quick visual inspection can identify any issues and give you peace of mind that the vehicle is safe and ready for the journey,” Michael says. “It is a series of simple steps that aligned with the National Heavy Vehicle Inspection Manual that every driver should undertake daily.”
Sal Petroccitto, NHVR CEO, says the first survey conducted in 2016 was the largest snapshot of the health of Australia’s heavy vehicle fleet ever undertaken. “Each vehicle will receive a comprehensive visual and mechanical inspection and requires the use of specialised equipment,” Sal says.
Ensuring that vehicles are compliant ahead of time will minimise disruption to the industry and to movement of goods around Australia, he says. “We understand the importance of keeping the heavy vehicle supply chain moving and where possible officers will ensure minimal disruption occurs.”