Issue 135 | 17 March 2022

It’s deeply saddening to see the impact the recent rain and flash-flooding has had on northern New South Wales and areas closer to Sydney and surrounds. Please continue to check in with loved ones and stay safe. Please also be aware of the safety of your heavy vehicle. Below you'll find some useful tips for assessing the safety of your heavy vehicle after driving through water, mud, debris or along roads being used as a diversion. In a significant win for road safety, the Commonwealth have announced Automated Emergency Braking and Electronic Stability Control will be required for all new heavy vehicles from November 2023. The uptake of this technology has significant safety benefits, such as preventing rear-end crashes and rollovers, and was a key goal outlined in the National Road Safety Action Plan 2018-2020. We will continue to work with the Commonwealth, state and territory transport agencies, and industry to maximise the benefits of the mandated technology to progress a safe, productive, and efficient heavy vehicle industry. Sal, CEO

A daily check for post flood vehicles

Operating a heavy vehicle during extreme weather conditions, such as those recently experienced in South Australia, Queensland and NSW, can have mechanical impacts. It’s important to adjust your vehicle’s maintenance system to match. The NHVR has released a list of tips and hints to use when assessing the safety of your heavy vehicle after driving through water, mud, debris or along roads being used as a diversion. The list covers checking for leaks, brakes, the rapid component cooling and electrical systems. Click here for the full list. These tips are general, and the NHVR also recommends you contact the vehicle or component manufacturer or your regular maintenance provider after using roads impacted by flooding. And remember, if it’s flooded, forget it.

Faulty truck fatality: Charges laid against SA cement company and executive

Charges have been laid against a cement company and its executives following an eight-month investigation led by South Australia Police, where a heavy vehicle driver was killed in Piccadilly on 12 October 2020. It is alleged that the South Australian company, its owner/Managing Director, and another manager knew the heavy vehicle was defective but allowed it to be used on the road. They have been charged with Category 1, 2 and 3 offences under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL). “Companies and executives must ensure the safety of their transport activities. If they ignore their responsibilities under the HVNL, they will be held to account,” NHVR Director of Prosecutions Belinda Hughes said. > Click here to read about the charge

Charges against company and director

The NHVR has filed charges against a transport company and its Director/Administration Manager. South Australia Police commenced an investigation following a fatal crash involving a car and a road train, killing a woman, on the Augusta Highway near Red Hill on 27 December 2020. Based on the investigation by the South Australia Police Heavy Vehicle Enforcement Unit, category 2 charges have been laid under the Heavy Vehicle National Law. NHVR Director of Prosecutions Belinda Hughes said, “Companies and their executives must comply with their obligations to ensure the safety of their drivers, vehicles and transport activities.” The matter is listed for a first mention in the Adelaide Magistrates’ Court on 22 April 2022.

Do I need a permit? guides

We have released two new pages on the NHVR website that address the commonly asked question: “Do I need a permit?” General Access Vehicle (GAV), and Do I need a permit The new General Access Vehicle page provides improved guidance on the types of eligible vehicles and combinations that qualify as GAVs. A GAV doesn’t require a permit or notice to operate on the road network. After confirming their vehicle is a Restricted Access Vehicle (RAV) – rather than General Access – RAV operators are stepped through: how to find out whether there’s an applicable access notice that covers their route route planning, to check which road networks have approved routes and which require a permit, and if there isn’t a notice, the type of permit applicable to their vehicle class.

Join us in celebrating Harmony Day

The NHVR is proud to support the upcoming Harmony Day event on Sunday 20 March from 11am-4pm at the Liverpool Catholic Club (Green Oval) in Prestons. The inaugural event, hosted by truck drivers Amar Singh and Mike Williams, will promote multiculturalism, with information stalls, food and entertainment. This year’s theme Everyone Belongs recognises the need to embrace harmony among the trucking industry, and wider community. The NHVR and Transport for New South Wales will be available to have a chat and answer any heavy vehicle safety and compliance questions. For more information, contact Amar on turbans4australia@gmail.com  and Mike on mike@ontheroadpodcast.com.au

Send us your #truckshot

Do you have photos of your truck you want to share with the industry? To be featured, send us a message on our Facebook page. Make sure you’re following the page to see other #truckshot photos shared too. Photo supplied by Nathan B.

Consider a career with the NHVR

We value staff with a genuine belief in the work they do and the benefit it will bring. www.nhvr.gov.au/careers

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