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Australia’s openness to the idea of high productivity vehicle design has gained it international attention, but a complex approval process and on-going political quarrel have long held it back. Where are we standing now?

Prime Mover magazine published a national PBS fleet report in December 2015 that explored the beginning of the PBS to its growth today.

Heavy vehicle operators now have a comprehensive guide to heavy vehicle safety with the launch of the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator's (NHVR) revised National Heavy Vehicle Inspection Manual.

The manual provides a simple guide to what makes a vehicle roadworthy. Although designed as a compliance tool for assessing roadworthiness, heavy vehicle operators can use the manual in routine maintenance programs to ensure compliance with vehicle standards and improve their vehicle's safety.

A nationally consistent approach to heavy vehicle safety moved one step closer with the launch of the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator's (NHVR) revised National Heavy Vehicle Inspection Manual by South Australia's Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Stephen Mullighan at the South Australian Freight Industry Council meeting in Adelaide today.

Minister Mullighan said the manual paved the way for a consistent national approach to heavy vehicle inspections and was a foundation towards improvement in safety across the heavy vehicle industry.

Every individual in the Chain of Responsibility can make a difference to safety for all road users, says the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator's (NHVR) Manager for Chain of Responsibility, Michael Crellin, speaking at the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Chain of Responsibility Conference in Sydney today.

"With a national Regulator and national law in place, we have the right infrastructure to effect change.

With more than 70% of Australia's domestic freight being moved on our nation's road network, maximizing access to Australia's road assets will give regional economies the best chance for growth.

Speaking at the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) National Local Roads and Transport Congress in Ballarat this week, NHVR Chief Executive, Sal Petroccitto, reinforced the critical role local government plays in Australia’s productivity.

The NHVR has moved to clarify the requirements around the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS) auditor training and qualifications.

This follows the Regulator becoming aware of incorrect information being sent to auditors to promote paying for qualifications and courses that are not necessary to be registered as an NHVAS Approved Auditor.

NHVR Executive Director Productivity and Safety, Geoff Casey said the criteria to be an NHVAS Approved Auditor is set out in the NHVAS Business Rules and Standards (Section 14).

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has released its 2014-2015 Annual Report, tabled by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Warren Truss in Parliament today.

NHVR CEO, Mr Sal Petroccitto said the report outlined the NHVR's achievements and performance in pursuit of a more productive and safe heavy vehicle industry for Australia.

"I am proud of the remarkable turnaround that has been achieved by our organisation over the last financial year.

NHVR Chief Executive Officer Sal Petroccitto welcomes the creation of Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA), following unanimous support by Commercial Vehicle Industry Association of Queensland (CVIAQ), as the new national body.

The HVIA will provide an Australian wide industry focus for its members and will be the representative body in design, manufacture, importation, distribution, modification, sale, service and repair of on-road vehicles over 3.5 tonnes.

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) board of directors has been re-appointed for a second three year term.

The re-appointment ensures leadership continuity and stability for the Regulator as it continues to drive regulatory reform for the Australian Heavy Vehicle Transport Industry.

Heavy vehicle transport operators are set to reap productivity benefits with the granting of a dedicated network for AB Triple vehicles across South Australia.

NHVR Manager of Access, Roger Garcia said this new network, PBS 3A, is a major step forward for South Australia’s heavy vehicle industry and runs to the core of their business operations.

“We appreciate the efforts of the South Australian Government who worked with us to make this happen.

There is a perception that heavy vehicle drivers are tough and the industry is tougher. But on the eve of Mental Health Day, National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) CEO, Sal Petroccitto is calling for greater awareness to ensure drivers have the support they need.

While the NHVR has a critical part to play in helping to ensure the safety of the heavy vehicle transport industry and its people, greater awareness and understanding is needed by both the community and those on the front line.

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) sets out next steps for industry uptake, as the move toward Electronic Work Diaries (EWD) gains momentum.

The recent passing of the Heavy Vehicle National Law Amendment Bill 2015 is the first important milestone for a more streamlined recording process which will provide the heavy vehicle industry with a much needed reduction in paperwork.

The nation's heavy vehicle and freight industries will continue to benefit from further reductions in red tape with the passing of the Heavy Vehicle National Law Amendment Bill, 2015.

The Bill ensures consistency across participating states and territories in the rules and regulations applied to heavy vehicles, operators and their drivers.

Freight operators are getting on with the job with unnecessary paperwork removed. Road train and b-double routes have received pre-approval to service various feedlots and large rural operations, within the Western Downs Regional Council boosting local productivity.

Heavy vehicle drivers transporting primary produce in Victoria have been delivered a sensible outcome that cuts paperwork while balancing the safety considerations of drivers and other road users.

Under an exemption to come into force from 5 October, heavy vehicle drivers transporting primary produce to or from 'the farm gate' will no longer have to keep a National Driver Work Diary if travelling or working less than 160km from their base.

Improving the maintenance standards and safety of the heavy vehicle industry will be at the forefront of a comprehensive two day training program that got under way yesterday in Adelaide.

Organised by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), the training program will see heavy vehicle auditors sharpening their skills and processes to strengthen the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS) and improve the safety and credibility of the industry.

Farmers across the Bundaberg region will now be able to spend more time in the paddock and less time filling out paperwork, thanks to a determination by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR).

Productivity improvements introduced for heavy vehicles in South Australia will have flow-on national benefits says NHVR Chief Executive, Sal Petroccitto.

Mr Petroccitto was speaking after the amendment to the road train notice to allow tri-axle dollies on road trains in South Australia that came into effect on 29 June 2015, and follows the recent allowance of quad road trains in South Australia from 4 June 2015.

The heavy vehicle industry will benefit from improvements to the regulations around the selling of heavy vehicles in Australia.

Since 1 July 2015 all J (body mounting) and P (tow coupling, fifth wheel and king pin installation) code heavy vehicle modifications must now be certified and approved by an approved vehicle examiner (AVE).

NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said that previously not all jurisdictions required that fitment of couplings and bodies be certified and the new arrangement contributes to national consistency in vehicle standards and safety.

From 1 July 2015, livestock transport operators will be able to access a new level of flexibility in managing their work and rest periods.

Developed with industry for industry the new initiative from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator will provide a safe, simpler and more flexible arrangement in the management of fatigue across the livestock transport industry.