Technical Working Group targets safety agenda

24-10-2016

The NHVR’s first Technical Working Group meeting will provide input into the delivery of improvements to coupling safety.

NHVR Director Safety Daniel Elkins told today’s Technical Maintenance Conference in Melbourne that the Regulator would examine a range of safety issues, including tyre inflation, brake systems and the on-going work around coupling safety.

“We recognise that technology has a growing role in heavy vehicle safety and the Technical Working Group will assist the NHVR to accelerate deployment of safety technologies and systems,” Mr Elkins said.

“The group is a cooperative partnership with technical experts from across the heavy vehicle industry that will assist deliver our safety strategy, released in August.

“We will engage with manufacturers and industry to support and encourage voluntary uptake of safety initiatives and where the benefits are proven seek to push through mandatory technology and safety systems.”

The group will meet for the first time on November 8 and will include input from heavy vehicle associations like the Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia, Australian Trucking Association, Commercial Vehicle Industry Association Australia, Truck Industry Council and subject matter experts.

Mr Elkins said the group would be keen to see the outcomes of coupling presentations and workshops to be discussed at the Conference on Tuesday and Wednesday.

“There is an enormous amount of work taking place to improve heavy vehicle safety,” he said.

“We want to ensure technical advice is reaching the NHVR so that we are at the forefront of implementing, monitoring, evaluating and reviewing advanced technologies and associated safety systems.

“That means sharing information and data, supporting early adoption and uptake of new technology and systems that make heavy vehicles and our road network safer.”