Latest news

The NHVR is advising heavy vehicle operators travelling in Queensland coastal areas to be aware of emergency arrangements  for areas impacted by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie.

NHVR Sal Petroccitto said while the cyclone had been downgraded to a tropic low, its impact across the Queensland road network in the coming days would be significant.

“Heavy vehicle operators need to be aware of their options when it comes to permits, access to the road network and fatigue provisions,” Mr Petroccitto said.

Heavy vehicle access in NSW and Queensland

NHVR advises all heavy vehicle operators that the impact of Tropical Cyclone Debbie is causing disruptions to large parts of the Queensland and northern NSW state and local road networks.

A new round of heavy vehicle Chain of Responsibility information sessions will kick off in Brisbane today, as the industry gears up for new laws in 2018.

Federal Transport and Infrastructure Minister Darren Chester said today’s National Heavy Vehicle Regulator Forum would assist businesses in the heavy vehicle supply chain to understand their role in heavy vehicle safety.

“More than 160 companies will receive information about the Chain of Responsibility reforms which are currently being rolled out nationally,” Mr Chester said.

Breaking down barriers for the local freight task will be the focus for the next Local Government Heavy Vehicle Access Forum on March 7 at the Forbes Town Hall.

NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the Forbes Forum would allow local operators, the Regulator and local governments to directly tackle heavy vehicle and freight challenges they experience every day and to identify innovative solutions.

Rural operators who create a safer and more innovative heavy vehicle industry will benefit from an industry award, announced at the combined Australian Livestock and Rural Transport Association and Livestock and Rural Transporters Association of Queensland Conference in Toowoomba today.

NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the NHVR and ALRTA have joined forces to support the $5000 industry award that focuses on safety and innovation within the heavy vehicle industry.

Consultation has opened on the next round of heavy vehicle safety programs to be administered by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator.

Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Darren Chester said the Federal Government would provide $3.8 million a year to support the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative program benefiting both freight operators and the community.

“I want to hear from operators and industry on the next round of safety initiatives and ensure that funding for heavy vehicle safety continues to hit the mark,” Mr Chester said.

The NHVR has joined forces with the Australian Trucking Association's Safety Truck to drive children to become more aware of safety around heavy vehicles.

NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto announced the sponsorship of the Volvo ATA Safety Truck, powered by BP, protected by NTI program at Browns Plains State School today.

"We're pleased to be able to support this program and bring the Safety Truck message to schools like Browns Plains to educate children on what trucks mean to them and how to safely behave around them," Mr Petroccitto said.

NHVR staff have been evacuated from our normal business premises at the request of Emergency Services.

We are continuing to process permits and other essential business, though customers may experience some delays for non-urgent applications and enquiries.

All urgent permit applications are being prioritised, though we ask for your patience as we work to the current business conditions.

We ask that you delay all non-urgent permit or business enquiries until further notice.

The National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme is within reach of 10,000 modules completed and 100,000 vehicles accredited according to the NHVR's Quarterly Snapshot for October to December 2016.

NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said it was great to see the increased growth in the Scheme which helps to create a safer road network for all road users.

"Following industry feedback, the NHVR has developed a more robust and newly designed label for vehicles nominated in the mass and maintenance management modules of the Scheme," Mr Petroccitto said.

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has thanked out-going Queensland Transport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe for working collaboratively with the Regulator and the heavy vehicle industry.

NHVR Chair Bruce Baird said it was great to work with Mr Hinchliffe on a number of important heavy vehicle projects in Queensland, including the Special Purpose Vehicle Notice launched last year.

“On behalf of the NHVR Board, our Chief Executive and NHVR staff, I once again thank Mr Hinchliffe and wish him well in the future,” Mr Baird said.

NHVR is calling for feedback on the updated draft of the Vehicle Standards Bulletin (VSB) 6: National Code of Practice for Heavy Vehicle Modifications released today.

NHVR Director Safety Daniel Elkins said VSB6 sets the national standard for common modifications performed to heavy vehicles.

Joint Media Statement
Darren Chester, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport and Sal Petroccitto, CEO National Heavy Vehicle Regulator

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has welcomed the appointment of Melinda Pavey as NSW Roads, Maritime and Freight Minister and thanked out-going Minister Duncan Gay.

NHVR Chair Bruce Baird said he looked forward to working with Ms Pavey to deliver on-going reform to heavy vehicle safety and productivity.

The NHVR and Road and Maritime Services will further extend the current brake testing transition arrangements in NSW until June 30.

NHVR Safety Director Daniel Elkins said the NHVR, in conjunction with Roads and Maritime are working together to determine the best approach to achieve national consistency in regards to brake testing requirements in the National Heavy Vehicle Inspection Manual.

Better safety outcomes and a stronger Chain of Responsibility (CoR) are the result of the Queensland Parliament yesterday passing amendments to the National Heavy Vehicle Law.

NHVR Acting CEO Ray Hassall said the amendments to the Law are a welcomed improvement and will be critical for a more robust heavy vehicle industry.

“These reforms are a significant leap forward in recognising everyone in the supply chain has a role to play in ensuring safety,” Mr Hassall said.

The NHVR’s second Local Government Heavy Vehicle Access Forum will target industry needs and productivity in NSW.

NHVR Manager Industry Stakeholder Engagement John Gilbert said the Forum was hosted by Blacktown City Council in partnership with Local Government NSW.

“The objective of the event is to outline the access role local government plays in the freight task under the Heavy Vehicle National Law,” Mr Gilbert said.

“We want to continue to advocate and highlight the local governments who have played their part to cut red tape and enhance local economies.

The NHVR has welcomed recognition by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Australia (CILTA) at their Annual Awards for Excellence today.

NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the win was in addition to being nominated as a finalist in three categories – Excellence in Moving Freight, Excellent in Government Innovation and Excellence in Transport Policy, Planning and Implementation.

“This recognition as winner shows the NHVR’s work is delivering benefits for heavy vehicle safety and productivity,” Mr Petroccitto said.

A simple safety initiative launched by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) will help truck drivers – and other motorists - stay safe on Australian roads.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said the NHVR’s Daily Safety Check List would promote safety standards in the trucking and logistics sector.

A review of business systems will boost heavy vehicle safety and productivity, according to a supply chain survey.

NHVR Compliance Executive Director Tony Kursius said the survey of 800 transport and logistics supply chain businesses showed there were still improvements to be made in implementing and managing Chain of Responsibility.

“The initial finding of the survey showed four out of five companies believed they had all or some systems in place to provide adequate CoR training for managers,” Mr Kursius said.

The NHVR has released the first suite of heavy vehicle standards audio podcasts to assist with making modifications safer.

NHVR Director Safety, Daniel Elkins said the podcasts outline minimum design, construction, installation and performance requirements for modifying heavy vehicles outside the manufacturer’s specifications.

“These podcasts cover five common modifications including recent changes to the heavy vehicle safety standards, driving lamps, semitrailer rear bumpers, couplings and backlit badges,” Mr Elkins said.

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator this week released its first series of podcasts and factsheets for the heavy vehicle supply chain as part of a national effort to boost safety for all road users.

Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Darren Chester said the new education material for the heavy vehicle supply chain showed that road safety goes well beyond truck drivers.