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The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is kicking off the holiday season with an operation focused on ensuring heavy vehicle drivers are safe and compliant on one of Queensland’s busiest roads.
Operation Overwatch will see NHVR Safety and Compliance Officers (SCOs) work alongside the Queensland Police Service (QPS) to conduct roadside inspections on high-risk areas along the Bruce Highway, between Maryborough and Miriam Vale.
NHVR Acting Chief Operations Officer Steve Miller said the operation was focused on enhancing heavy vehicle compliance and reducing behaviours linked to serious crashes.
“Heavy vehicle drivers can expect to chat with SCOs and police about fatigue and work diaries, as well as compliance with mass and loading requirements,” Mr Miller said.
“Our safety operations involve a tactical approach to identifying and intercepting drivers displaying unsafe behaviours, such as fatigued driving, speeding, improper rest breaks, and failure to comply with work and rest regulations.”
Chief Superintendent Mark Wheeler from the QPS’ Road Policing and Regional Support Command said officers had seen far too many serious and fatal heavy vehicle crashes on the Bruce Highway in recent weeks, making Operation Overwatch so important.
“Together with the NHVR, our focus is on ensuring operators are meeting their safety obligations and doing their part to protect every road user,” Chief Superintendent Wheeler said.
“Fatigue remains one of the most significant risks on our roads, particularly for heavy vehicle drivers travelling long distances, and through this operation we’ll be working closely with the NHVR to make sure drivers are meeting their fatigue management requirements.
“This is about preventing avoidable tragedies and making sure drivers are rested, compliant, and able to get home safely.”
From January to September 2025, Queensland recorded 27 fatal crashes involving a heavy vehicle, tragically resulting in 30 people losing their lives.
NHVR Northern Region Operations Manager Jarrod Wilson said the NHVR was committed to working with industry to reduce the likelihood of crashes, particularly during a time with more motorists on the road.
“Fatigue is always dangerous, with drivers at risk of impaired judgment and slowed reaction times, and this time of year marks an incredibly important time for us to ensure safe driving behaviours,” he said.
“The NHVR wants to see every single motorist reach their destination safely, which is why we will be working with our partners and industry to make this holiday season safer for everyone.”
Industry is reminded that the Heavy Vehicle Confidential Reporting Line (HVCRL) is available to anonymously report any incidents that may pose a danger to road users.
Any heavy vehicle driver who feels pressured to drive while fatigued should call the HVCRL on 1800 931 785.