The largest ever national survey of the heavy vehicle fleet was officially launched today at Australia's Heavy Vehicle Engineering Conference (ComVec) in Melbourne.
NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the National Roadworthiness Baseline Survey, which would begin on August 1, would allow the NHVR to properly understand the health and roadworthiness of Australia's 520,000-strong heavy vehicles.
"We are encouraging operators to be aware of the survey when scheduling to allow appropriate time for inspections," Mr Petroccitto said.
"From August 1 these inspections will be conducted by authorised officers at roadside check points and in depots throughout Australia.
"Each vehicle will have a comprehensive visual inspection and depending on the condition of the vehicle some may take on average 45 minutes.
"We understand the importance of the supply chain and where possible will ensure minimal disruption occurs.
"All heavy vehicle inspections will rely on the consistent National Heavy Vehicle Inspection Manual to create a more harmonised national network."
Currently, different data and inspection regimes are undertaken in each state and territory which means that the roadworthiness of heavy vehicles nationally is unclear. It’s a fundamental roadblock to achieving national consistency.
The survey is the second leg of the Roadworthiness program, following the release of the National Heavy Vehicle Inspection Manual which ensures a nationally-consistent approach to improve vehicle standards compliance and help reduce vehicle downtime.
For more information go to www.nhvr.gov.au/nrbs
Contact: Jillian Bagnall | 07 3309 8605