The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator has received the recommendations of Coroner Dr Jane Hendtlass, following a two-year investigation of the 2007 Kerang crash, involving a passenger train hit by a truck at a crossing near the northern Victorian town.
"We are already actively considering the Coroner's recommendations and will work with related authorities over the coming months," said NHVR CEO, Richard Hancock.
Among her 25 recommendations, Dr Hendtlass calls upon the NHVR to:
- amend its code of practice to "require inspection of brake pads and push rod extensions weekly or fortnightly"
- "ensure that mechanics performing maintenance on heavy vehicles have access to and comply with manufacturers’ maintenance instructions"
- expand the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS) "to include all Victorian heavy vehicle operators who perform their own maintenance in-house".
"In due course, if the NHVR's formal response to any of the Coroner's recommendations identifies any need for changes to our statutory powers, we will raise those matters for consideration by responsible Ministers, in line with the Intergovernmental Agreement on Heavy Vehicle Regulatory Reform" said Mr Hancock.
As required under Victorian legislation, the NHVR's response to the Coroner’s recommendations will be publicly available.
ENDS…
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Email | media@nhvr.gov.au