Road managers
Accessibility tools
Opened service centres welcomed by drivers
Thank you to the retailers and heavy vehicle operators that have provided information to update the NHVR Service Centre map.
The map was launched earlier this month to show which service centres, truck stops and roadhouses remain open for heavy vehicle drivers.
Stakeholder Engagement and Customer Experience Manager John Gilbert thanked service centres for their efforts in remaining open to support drivers.
Visual inspections continue as RBT calibration relaxed
The NHVR has granted a temporary relaxation of calibration requirements for roller-brake testing (RBT) equipment.
NHVR Vehicle Safety and Performance Manager Peter Austin said the NHVR’s National Roller Brake Test Procedure required that machines used to conduct tests are calibrated in accordance with the manufacturers’ standards every 12 or 24 months.
“We have had manufacturers come to us reporting difficulty in achieving some of the calibration requirements because of the current travel restrictions,” Mr Austin said.
$249,500 enforceable undertaking for chain of responsibility education
The NHVR has accepted an enforceable undertaking (EU) from Laing O’Rourke Australia Construction Pty Ltd (LORAC) that will see $249,500 contributed to chain of responsibility education.
The EU stems from an allegation by Roads and Maritime Services that on 16 October 2018 and 24 May 2019 LORAC failed to comply with the mass requirements as required by s 96(1)(c) of the Heavy Vehicle National Law.
NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said that the EU was a first for the NHVR and was an appropriate alternative to prosecution in the circumstances.
Map makes finding a place to rest easier
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.
Service centres continue supporting our truck drivers
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.
Have you got a question about coronavirus changes?
If you have any questions you can contact us by phone on 1300 MYNHVR, by email at info@nhvr.gov.au or by sending us a message on Facebook.
Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions:
Enhanced route planning feature now available
Users of the Route Planner in the NHVR Portal can now translate a visual map into a text-based distance and time description of their route to help them plan and cost their trip.
The new tool will help operators determine the distance travelled against a single route and can be used to calculate fuel consumption costs. This will give operators a stronger understanding of the true costs associated with a given route.
The distance and time information can be found in the new dedicated 'DISTANCE' tab.
Temporary variations for Class 1 OSOM escort requirements in Queensland
Half tracked rubber tracked tractors now allowed on roads
Farmers are now able to operate half tracked rubber tracked tractors on public roads without a permit following recent amendments to the National Class 1 Agricultural Vehicle and Combination Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2019.
The NHVR undertook engineering assessments and consultation on the infrastructure impacts of these vehicles, which showed they imposed no greater risk than the vehicles already allowed by the Notice.
State and territory road transport authorities agreed to their inclusion in the Notice.
Amendments to PBS Frontal Swing Requirements
Amendments to the PBS Frontal Swing standard will begin from today (April 1 2020).
NHVR’s Chief Engineer, Les Bruzsa said the increase will allow for greater flexibility for PBS vehicle designs.
“The rigid truck and prime mover performance measure of 0.7m has been found to be restrictive for twin-steer and longer wheelbase PBS vehicles, especially when fitted with bull bars,” Les said.
NHVR reduces burden on industry accreditation
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 Wednesday 25 March.
“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,” Sal said.
Update on cross-border travel
Western Australia, South Australia, Northern Territory, Queensland and Tasmania have border restrictions in place. There are currently no restrictions in place for travel between Victoria, NSW and the ACT.
Despite these restrictions, all freight movements are continuing. It’s business as usual.
However we ask that you keep abreast of information provided by State, Territory and Federal Government agencies.
Additional information is available at:
Cross border arrangements
Several state governments have placed restrictions on cross-border movements this week as a control measure against the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
All governments are committed to ensuring the freight continues, with individual states issuing the below definitions of who is exempt from restrictions at their border:
Queensland