NHVR operation aimed at increasing heavy vehicle safety during peak harvest time in Tassie

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has launched a state-wide operation in Tasmania, focused on non-compliant heavy vehicles transporting poppies and pyrethrums during the summer months.

Operation Reflect will see NHVR Safety and Compliance Officers (SCOs) run mobile patrols across known transport routes on the Apple Isle to inspect heavy vehicles moving theflowers from farms to storage facilities.

NHVR Director Southern Region Paul Simionato said maintaining road safety was a priority during one of the busiest times of the year for harvest in the state.

“The Tasmanian poppy industry supplies almost half of the world’s poppy straw for use in pharmaceuticals, meaning the heavy vehicle industry is in hot demand during this time,” Mr Simionato said.

“With knowledge from previous harvest operations in the state, Operation Reflect aims to collect data on the poppy and pyrethrum industries to assess compliance levels and ensure adherence to regulatory requirements during business activities.

“SCOs will focus on intercepting and inspecting vehicles in strategic locations, to help ensure vehicle standards, primary producer requirements and registration categories are being met.”

Mr Simionato said earlier NHVR operations had identified vehicle standards issues, where some heavy vehicles modified for the transport of poppies and pyrethrum did not meet compliance requirements.

“With these trailers only used for short seasonal periods, they have been associated with multiple roadworthiness concerns,” he said.

“Our SCOs are committed to working with industry to educate them on how to transport these materials safely.

“Ultimately, our priority is always to ensure all heavy vehicles are compliant, so that every road user in the state can make it to their destination safely.”

The NHVR offers Regulatory Advice for Operating in the Agricultural Sector, to assist all parties in the Chain of Responsibility to ensure the safety of their transport activities.

For further educational information on understanding your legal obligations, visit the Regulatory Advice - Operating in the agricultural sector.