Issue 105 | 27 January 2021

The NHVR is focused on changing the high-risk perception around newer, safer, higher productivity vehicles and providing them with guaranteed access. This year, we will be pursuing improvements to the PBS scheme that will streamline the approval processes, move mature designs to the prescriptive fleet and provide greater flexibility and fleet utilisation. We’re also making sure these vehicles are fitted with the latest safety technologies, and that PBS vehicles continue to deliver safer roads and safer journeys.  Moving our current thinking from the current prescriptive law to innovative, forward-thinking solutions is critical to meeting our future freight task. We have some very real opportunities to make significant improvements to safety and productivity if we embrace them the right way. Sal

HVSI Round 6 closing soon

A reminder that applications for Round 6 of the $5.55 million Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI) will close on 12 February 2021. If you have a project, program or campaign that will increase safety awareness and compliance that requires funding or support to make it happen, we want to hear from you. The funding for 2021-22 is a record for the program and we’re calling on groups to put forward their value-for-money projects and ideas for consideration. Projects must be implementable, commence in the 2021-22 financial year and be completed by 30 June 2024. For more information or to view the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative 2021-22 Submission Guidelines, visit www.nhvr.gov.au/hvsi

PBS Directional Stability Under Braking Standard open for consultation

The NHVR has opened consultation on the implementation of amendments to the PBS Directional Stability Under Braking (DSUB) Standard. Feedback on the paper is open until 12 February 2021. > Read the full story

Fee change for Victorian heavy vehicle escort services

The NHVR provides services for heavy vehicles operating under a pilot or escort requirement in Victoria. On 1 February 2021, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator – Fee for Victorian Services Notice 2021 (No. 1) will commence. Fees for services specified under the notice will increase to $232 per hour (including GST), with a minimum of two hours for weekdays and three hours for weekends and public holidays. This is the first increase since the NHVR took over Victorian pilot and escort responsibilities in December 2019. Visit the NHVR’s Fee Schedule for more information.

TruckSpot to provide a snapshot of Victoria’s Roads from a truck driver’s perspective

Truck drivers and operators in Gippsland and the Green Triangle area of Western Victoria and South East South Australia will be among the first regions in the country to be part of a new way to gather critical road safety data.  Through support from the Commonwealth Government’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI), administered by the NHVR, and developed in partnership with Safe Freight Networks Australia and CrowdSpot the innovative “TruckSpot” project will provide an opportunity to identify both positive and negative features of the road network by allowing drivers to drop a “spot” directly onto a map. To be a part of the project head to https://truckspot.crowdspot.com.au.

Last chance to provide feedback on the revised Inspection Manual

The NHVR is undertaking a five-yearly review of the National Heavy Vehicle Inspection Manual (NHVIM) and is seeking input on the revised draft – NHVIM 3.0 Feedback can be submitted until Friday 29 January 2021. > Click here for the draft NHVIM 3.0 and feedback form The NHVR is also seeking feedback on the revised draft VSB6 Section T – Tow Trucks, which has been updated to align with current design and construction techniques. Feedback can be submitted until Friday 29 January 2021. > Click here for the draft VSB6 Section T – Tow Trucks and feedback form

Reminder to provide permits to pilots and escorts

Heavy vehicle operators are reminded of their obligations to provide a copy of their permit to any pilot or escort vehicle driver accompanying them. The NHVR recommends providing copies of NHVR permits or notices – and any other relevant information. For more information, see https://www.nhvr.gov.au/files/202101-1210-info-sheet-providing-permit-copies-to-pilot-and-escort-vehicle-drivers.pdf

Have you got another question about coronavirus changes?

A lot may have changed across the heavy vehicle industry over the past months, but safety still comes first. Check out the latest advice for heavy vehicle operators at www.nhvr.gov.au/coronavirus

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