Charges filed against national transport company

The NHVR has filed charges against a national transport company and its executive, following a nine-month investigation into the company’s business practices.

The NHVR initiated the investigation following multiple vehicle collisions and Safe-T-Cam footage that identified breaches relating to the transport company.

Records for 15 drivers were analysed by NHVR Investigators revealing 225 fatigue and work diary breaches by the company.

A further 54 breaches were detected including contraventions of the HVNL Act, fatigue regulations and BFM rules, and included administrative errors within National Driver Work Diaries, critical breaches of excess work hours and insufficient rest breaks. 

The NHVR will allege that there were significant failings within the company’s scheduling ability and processes.

It will also be alleged that the company failed to provide adequate training to staff, or to follow up and address incidents of ongoing fatigue breaches. The subsequent risk to public safety was known to the company.

The matter is listed for a filing hearing in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 31 May 2021.