The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has issued a timely warning to operators and drivers to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy this winter, following concerning findings from its latest National Roadworthiness Survey.
NHVR Chief Operations Officer Paul Salvati highlighted the dangers facing road users as heavy vehicle traffic increases during the snow season—particularly along key alpine routes in New South Wales.
“In 2024, we issued 965 defect notices in the snowy region alone,” Mr Salvati said. “Sixty of those were major defects relating to brakes, wheels, or tyre maintenance—an unacceptable safety risk that must be addressed immediately.”
The NHVR’s 2024 National Roadworthiness Survey, the largest fleet inspection initiative of its kind, revealed that 33 per cent of units surveyed had multiple defects—up from the previous survey in 2021.
With more than 16,600 heavy vehicles and over 32,000 light vehicles expected to traverse the Monaro and Hume Highways during peak snow traffic, the regulator is calling for increased vigilance.
“Last year, there were seven heavy vehicle crashes in the snow region—one of them fatal,” Mr Salvati said. “Pleasingly, in 2024 that figure halved, with no fatalities recorded. We commend the industry on that result, but it’s a reminder that maintenance saves lives.”
Already this winter, snowfall has reached nearly 70cm at ski resorts like Perisher, with temperatures dropping to -4°C. Mr Salvati said such conditions can rapidly deteriorate vehicle components.
“These weather events can make brakes, wheel bearings, or tyres wear faster than usual,” he said. “It’s imperative that drivers conduct thorough checks before starting a journey—daily inspections can be the difference between a safe trip and a serious accident.”
The NHVR is encouraging all operators to use a pre-trip daily checklist, available on its website, and to treat preventative maintenance as a critical safety measure throughout the winter months.
