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The Strategic Local Government Asset Assessment Project (SLGAAP) received almost 1000 nominations for bridge and culvert assessments, when Round 1 closed last month.

SLGAAP Project Manager, Todd Wellard said that the response from almost 100 local government road managers demonstrated a strong interest to improve access for heavy vehicles across Australia.

“It’s great to have received nominations from so many state and territory road managers across, and we look forward to working with councils to open up network access in their local areas,” Todd said.

Wine producers, wine grape grower and transporter of grapes and bottled wine are required to comply with the Chain of Responsibility requirements under the Heavy Vehicle National Law. This includes ensuring that goods are not overloaded, that they are secured properly and that drivers are not encouraged or pressured to speed or drive while fatigued. 

A major joint operation between the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) and South Australia Police (SAPOL) with a focus on heavy vehicle safety has concluded.

NHVR Director Southern Region Paul Simionato said Operation Crossroads 2020 was a local operation with a national impact – focusing on the “crossroads” of Australia.

“The four-day joint operation ran between 9 October and 12 October, with a primary focus of monitoring the safety and compliance of heavy vehicles travelling on the Augusta Highway,” Mr Simionato said.

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator has recently been recognised for our innovation on the national stage with the NHVR Solutions team winning the Digital Transformation category in the Australian Business Awards.

The award highlights the digital transformation delivered through the NHVR Portal, as well as our customer-centred approach using the AgileSwift product management methodology.

The NHVR is investing significantly in a number of important projects that put mental health front and centre in our conversations, through the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI).

One of the most exciting recent developments is the establishment of the Healthy Heads in Trucks and Sheds initiative (HTTS), which the NHVR are supporting through a $600,000 grant from the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI).

The NHVR has welcomed the final report from the Australian Productivity Commission into National Regulatory Reform, including the heavy vehicle industry.

NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the report highlighted the significant reform of safety and productivity across the heavy vehicle industry since the introduction of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) in 2013.

“In particular, the Commissioners have highlighted the on-going improvement to road safety and a reduction in heavy vehicle crashes and progress of harmonisation,” Mr Petroccitto said.

Officers from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) have this week entered multiple business premises in Queensland and Victoria using powers under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL).

The entries were a result of concerns around road safety and compliance with safety duties under the HVNL.

The operation involved the entry of one premises in Queensland and two in Victoria, resulting in a significant amount of documents and other evidence being seized by NHVR officers.

A national project that aims to make better use of local freight routes is underway, with Toowoomba one of the first communities to benefit.

Visiting Toowoomba last week, NHVR Chief Regulatory Policy and Standards Officer Don Hogben said the Strategic Local Government Assessment Project (SLGAAP) was examining bridges and culverts across the country.

“This project is about working with local governments and industry to identify bridges and culverts that need engineering assessments to improve access for heavy vehicles,” Mr Hogben said.

Queensland trucking company has been fined $60,000 after pleading guilty to two charges of breaching their primary duty of ensuring safety under the Heavy Vehicle National Law.

NHVR Executive Director Statutory Compliance Ray Hassall said the fine was issued following an investigation and prosecution by Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads.

The depot manager of a Western Australian transport company was convicted in South Australia under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) for critical breaches of fatigue regulations. 

NHVR Executive Director Statutory Compliance Ray Hassall said an investigation was launched after drivers from the company were intercepted by NHVR Safety and Compliance Officers near Ceduna, South Australia. 

From 11:59pm 5 August, workers in permitted industries must carry a Worker Permit issued and signed by their employer while within the Melbourne area. This includes the freight industry.

The form requires details of essential work activity on a rolling 7 day schedule. All requirements of fatigue regulations still apply. Drivers must not drive while impaired by fatigue and must continue to comply with work and rest requirements.