Media release

The NHVR has today launched a new online tool that maps service centres, truck stops and roadhouses that remain open for heavy vehicle drivers.

NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said that the tool provided information about services and trading hours for service centres right across the country.

“Having access to food, showers, toilets and appropriate rest is critical for drivers to properly manage their fatigue,” Mr Petroccitto said.

Heavy vehicle operators are being urged to ensure their operations remain safe as unprecedented demand puts pressure on freight supply chains.

NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto reminded operators of their Chain of Responsibility obligations and to avoid putting drivers under undue pressure.

“We’re concerned by reports that drivers are under increased pressure to meet deadlines,” Mr Petroccitto said.

“We need to avoid situations where drivers are being forced to exceed their work and rest hours or ignore poor load restraint practices.”

This week’s announcement by National Cabinet to allow service centres and truck stops to remain open for heavy vehicle drivers has been welcomed by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) and industry.

NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said that a set of standard protocols would support both businesses and drivers to stay safe through this period.

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has announced temporary changes to National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS) medical requirements and face-to-face audit requirements, in response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. 

NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the regulator has listened to the industry and the common-sense changes would be implemented from today (Wednesday March 25).
“We are making some practical changes that will help to take pressure off the health system and support operators and drivers in a time of unprecedented demand,” Mr Petroccitto said. 

Several state and territory road managers have placed restrictions on cross-border movements this week as a control measure against the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

All governments have committed to ensuring that freight movements continue under these restrictions.

Operators should be aware that there may be some delays where border checks are in place.

A summary of information available to date from state and territory governments can be found here https://bit.ly/39eNjc4

The NHVR has agreed to waive restrictions on all curfew permits, except those related to safety and access, to move general freight and grocery deliveries as part of the national response to coronavirus (COVID-19).

NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the changes brought freight movements using permits into line with recent legislation introduced by state governments to reduce the impact of curfews or parking around distribution centres and local supermarkets.

The NHVR is calling for feedback on future safety reforms across the livestock supply chain. 

NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto told today’s Livestock, Bulk and Rural Carriers Association’s 2020 Conference in Tamworth that the review targeted several key areas where Chain of Responsibility laws applied to the movement of sheep and cattle.

“We’ve identified a range of issues including loading practices, understanding of mass management and general understanding of regulatory responsibilities,” Mr Petroccitto said.

Heavy vehicle safety services have a new home in Victoria with the official opening of the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s (NHVR) Victorian headquarters in Port Melbourne.

Minister for Roads and Road Safety Jaala Pulford opened the new office today as part of the transition of state-delivered heavy vehicle services to the national regulator.

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has commenced its first prosecution under new Chain of Responsibility laws, laying charges against a company director for failing to exercise due diligence to ensure the company complied with its safety duty.

NHVR Executive Director Statutory Compliance Ray Hassall said that NHVR Investigators conducted a safety duties investigation into a Victorian trucking company in relation to fatigue management of its drivers.

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has welcomed the appointment of Peter Gutwein as Premier of Tasmania.

NHVR Chair Duncan Gay said he looked forward to working with Mr Gutwein and his government to continue to boost heavy vehicle safety and productivity for the state.

"The Tasmanian Government will continue to play an important role in the review of the Heavy Vehicle National Law and I look forward to working with them on a number of projects to support the local heavy vehicle industry," Mr Gay said.

The NHVR is calling for a coordinated approach to addressing Australia’s growing road freight task.

NHVR Executive Director Freight and Supply Chain Productivity, Peter Caprioli today released a Draft Heavy Vehicle Productivity Plan 2020-2025 (HVPP) for feedback.

“This is a draft blueprint for the NHVR, government and industry to work together to improve access and productivity for Australia’s heavy vehicle fleet,” Mr Caprioli said.

A recent National Heavy Vehicle Regulator-led operation targeting fatigue showed 93.9 per cent of truck drivers are complying with fatigue regulations aimed at keeping everyone safe on our roads.

NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said Operation Wake Up intercepted 4096 drivers over an eight-day period in December at more than 80 locations and mobile patrols across Australia.

One of Australia’s best-known personalities, Shane Jacobson, is back on board with the NHVR’s Tell a mate heavy vehicle safety campaign.

NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto welcomed Jacobson’s passion for heavy vehicle safety, after being the face of the Tell a mate campaign over the past year.

“Initially Shane will be part of our Focus on Fatigue campaign in the lead-up to Christmas, urging drivers to chat to their colleagues and other road users about recognising the signs of fatigue,” Mr Petroccitto said.

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has welcomed the release of the Productivity Commission’s Draft Report into National Transport Regulatory Reform.

NHVR Chair Duncan Gay said that the draft report highlighted the benefits that had already been achieved, while charting a path for improvement.

“We welcome the draft report and will continue to work with the Productivity Commission as they finalise their inquiry over the coming months,” Mr Gay said.

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is calling for funding applications for programs that improve heavy vehicle safety on Australian roads.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Federal Government had provided $5.48 million for safety projects for round five of the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI) program.

“This funding is focused towards groups and projects delivering real safety benefits for the heavy vehicle industry and all road users,” Mr McCormack said.

The Federal Government has announced the extension of an initiative that will make it easier and more flexible for truck drivers to use their vehicles outside work hours.  

Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz said the Government had worked with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) to extend the Personal Use Exemption for drivers operating under Basic Fatigue Management (BFM) and Advanced Fatigue Management (AFM). 

“There are currently more than 2300 operators utilising the benefits of AFM and BFM,” Mr Buchholz said.

The NHVR has welcomed a NSW Government decision to improve access for high productivity vehicles along the Newell Highway at Coonabarabran.

NHVR Freight and Supply Chain Executive Director Peter Caprioli said the additional access for Modular B-Triples, B-Triples, AB-Triples & Type 1 Road Trains up to 36.5 metres was another step forward for industry productivity.

“These classes of heavy vehicles will now be able to travel under the National Class 2 Heavy Vehicle Road Train Authorisation Notice and associated NSW Higher Mass Limits Declaration.

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) and South Australia Police have commenced an investigation into allegations about the remapping of truck engines throughout Australia.

NHVR Director of Investigations Steve Underwood said that remapping allows emissions controls and speed limiters on heavy vehicles to be modified.

“Remapping engines allows trucks to exceed the speed limit unimpeded, endangering all other road users,” Mr Underwood said.

“These are very serious allegations and we are concerned about how widespread this practice may be.

Two new members have been appointed to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) Board.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said current NHVR Board Deputy Chair Peter Garske and Board member Coral Taylor would retire this month.

“Julie Russell and Catherine Scott will replace Mr Garske and Ms Taylor when their appointments end,” Mr McCormack said.

“Ministers have unanimously agreed Ms Russell and Ms Scott should be appointed to the Board.