NHVR (73)
ON THE ROAD Issue 132
on 2022-02-04 02:46:36
by
Donna
Posted in
NHVR
Issue 132 | 2 February 2022In Australia, we continue to experience extreme weather events, where road conditions shift rapidly. The severe flooding in Central Australia and the impacted key rail and road route closures between South Australia and the Northern Territory is a live example.In the last week, the NHVR worked closely with government and industry to develop and release a temporary notice allowing travel on alternative road networks, to transport much-needed food and essential goods into the NT. To be able to provide this lifeline and deliver supplies to regions cut off from basic services, highlights the crucial role our industry continues to play in keeping Australia moving.The NHVR also welcomed the recent announcement from National Cabinet regarding the move to heavy vehicle competency-based licensing arrangements. This is a sensible proposal, which when implemented will assist in lifting safety standards as well as address driver shortage issues. I look forward to discussing this further as the interim framework and outlined implementation strategies are released.Finally, thank you to everyone who has shared the word and supported our Don’t #uck With A Truck young driver safety campaign. We’ve had a fantastic response and the message has reached hundreds of thousands of young drivers through social media – the numbers continue to climb! The support from industry helps add to the campaign's size and momentum, and we will keep the pace up over the coming months.Sal, CEONotice provides alternative road access during Central Queensland flooding To enable the supply of food and other essential goods between South Australia and the Northern Territory while key rail and road routes in Central Australia are cut by flooding, the NHVR has issued a notice allowing increased freight capacity on alternative road networks.The National Class 2 Supplementary Access (Northern Territory Assistance) Authorisation Notice 2022 (No.1) provides Class 2 heavy vehicles that are road trains up to 53.5m long with temporary access to a specified route from South Australia to Queensland via New South Wales, to join the Road Train Type 2 Network through Queensland to Darwin.While this notice remains in place, all other vehicles are advised to exercise extra caution while overtaking, as these road trains are longer than the vehicles that normally operate on this route. This notice will expire at midnight on 24 February 2022. > Read more about the notice hereNatRoad helps spread the Don’t #uck With A Truck message with young driver competitionThe National Road Transport Association is partnering with the our “Don’t #uck With A Truck” campaign to drive its message home to young road users.NatRoad members can invite the L or P plate drivers in their lives to share a video or photo on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or Twitter with the hashtag #dontmuckwithatruck and #natroad to win gift card and merchandise prizes.“We want safer road behaviours from L and P platers and we want their family members to be safe,” said National Road Transport Association CEO Warren Clark.NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto added, “We’re pleased that NatRoad, and the wider industry, is helping to spread this important message, and I encourage everyone to share it to help make our roads safer.”$5.6 million in heavy vehicle safety grants close soonApplications for a record $5.6 million in funding for the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI) will close 5pm (AEST) Monday 14 February.NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said Round 7 HVSI grants are open to any industry group, organisation or council that can deliver tangible improvements to heavy vehicle safety.“There is only two weeks left to apply for HVSI funding – now is the time to submit projects that can make Australia’s roads safer for all road users and ultimately save lives,” Sal said.For more information, including Submission Guidelines and new Application Form, visit www.nhvr.gov.au/hvsiIndustry Investigates Coupling StrengthIn an industry and world first, the ARTSA Institute, Australian Trucking Association, Truck Industry Council and Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA) are investigating dynamic loads on the couplings on heavy high productivity freight vehicles and PBS combinations vehicles.The safety of couplings project is funded by the Commonwealth Government through the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative and will fill a gap in knowledge and provide evidence to update relevant Standards and Rules.“Coupling failure on high productivity vehicles has the potential to lead to death and injuries, major traffic disruption and reduced public confidence in heavy vehicle safety,” said HVIA CEO Todd Hacking said. “It is important for regulators and industry to be confident in the relevance and integrity of the Standards that guide the safe selection of components.”> Find out more about the couplings projectSafety Solutions Can Be Achieved in the Trucking IndustryIn a recent column, NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto discussed the importance of safety on the road and in the workplace.Sal emphasised the importance of increasing the percentage of industry that have a basic Safety Management System (SMS) in place beyond half, to improve safety for the whole supply chain.“I’d like to see this number rise significantly, so that everyone in the industry can reap the benefits of safety-first culture,” Sal said.> Read Sal’s article hereRenewed notice continues record-keeping flexibility in New South WalesDrivers of eligible fatigue-regulated heavy vehicles operating under strict conditions in NSW can receive an exemption from recording work and rest hours under the New South Wales Fatigue Record-Keeping Exemption Notice 2022.The recently renewed notice only applies to drivers of heavy vehicles carrying out the following specified classes of work in NSW:Working in an area within a radius of 100km or less from the driver’s base with the primary purpose of:motor dealing, repair, inspection, maintenance or testingmanufacturing heavy vehiclesthe hire and rental of heavy vehicles.Working within a radius of 160km or less from the driver’s base for the purpose of primary production.The notice comes into effect on 10 February 2022, and will replace the New South Wales Fatigue Record-Keeping Exemption Notice 2019 (No.1).Road Train MDL Dimension and Axle Spacing Check SheetA new Road Train Mass, Dimension and Loading (MDL) Dimension and Axle Spacing Check Sheet will help operators check if their axle spacing mass limits complies with the Heavy Vehicle MDL National Regulation.To use the Check Sheet, operators simply enter vehicle and axle group length, height and width to indicate if the vehicle combination receives a “PASS” result.The tool enables operators to work under select notices and permits with certainty, as they can quickly calculate whether their vehicle combination is compliant.> Click here to view the Check Sheet under the Resources tab of the National Class 2 Road Train Authorisation Notice 2020 Operator's GuideConsider a career with the NHVRWe value staff with a genuine belief in the work they do and the benefit it will bring.www.nhvr.gov.au/careersConnect with us on social media Having troubles viewing this email? 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ON THE ROAD Issue 131
on 2022-01-20 01:33:07
by
Donna
Posted in
NHVR
Issue 131 | 18 January 2022As we settle into 2022, I would like to acknowledge that it hasn’t been the start to the year that we all might have hoped for. Our industry has already had to face a number of challenges including around the supply of AdBlue, COVID-19 testing and isolation requirements and the ongoing strain on our supply chain.The pandemic continues to impact us all and it’s important we do our part in staying safe at work and in our homes. I am again extremely proud of the way our industry has adapted to the changing circumstances and worked together to find innovative solutions wherever possible.With border restrictions easing, we continue to see the volume of vehicles on our roads return. A lot of people will be eager to visit loved ones and travel to new destinations, where many of the roads and its conditions will be foreign to them.That’s why I’m very proud to share the NHVR’s latest major safety campaign titled Don’t #uck With A Truck that targets our younger drivers on the road and provides engaging and memorable messages about how to drive safely around trucks.The campaign is intentionally designed to grab the attention of particularly Learner and Provisional licence holders and help start important conversations with peers. The campaign kicked off yesterday and will run for a number of months.The Don’t #uck With A Truck slogan will appear across billboards and university events as well as online on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, YouTube.Our goal is to ensure we prevent situations where younger drivers find themselves in difficult situations (such as pulling in front of a truck too soon) that could potentially cause crashes.Sal, CEO“Don’t #uck With A Truck” - New safety campaign to educate young driversThe NHVR has launched a new major road safety awareness campaign titled Don’t #uck With A Truck targeting Learner (L) and Provisional (P) licence holders.NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the campaign demonstrates how L and P licence holders can drive safely around trucks, including rules to follow when trucks are turning, stopping and how to overtake a truck.“The campaign is intentionally provocative and is designed to grab the target audience’s attention and start important conversations around road safety,” Sal said> To read more about the campaign, click here9 Step SMS Roadmap Videos The NHVR has released four videos to complement the 9 Step SMS Roadmap and support industry to adopt, develop and implement a Safety Management System (SMS) in their business.The 9 Step SMS Roadmap provides industry with practical, useful and easy-to-implement safety business practices and resources that can be tailored to suit business needs, regardless of the size of the business and operations.There’s a video for each SMS journey – Starting Out, Improving On and Continuous Improvement – each touching on important aspects of an SMS and key resources. There is also an introductory video providing an overview of the three 9 Step SMS Roadmap journeys.Having an SMS can be one of the most effective ways to meet your safety obligations under the Chain of Responsibility and the Heavy Vehicle National Law.To learn more about the 9 Step SMS Roadmap and to watch the videos, please visit nhvr.gov.au/sms-9-stepNew look for National Agricultural Notice Operator’s GuideThe National Class 1 Agricultural Vehicle and Combination Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice Operator's Guide is the latest in the NHVR’s suite of more intuitive, user-friendly online operator’s guides for national road access notices.Incorporating feedback from key industry stakeholders, this mobile-responsive, electronic version has replaced the previous PDF version – but it can still be printed if operators want to carry a paper copy in their trucks.A key difference from the previous PDF version is that the Operator’s Guide now includes the South Australian night travel conditions that were previously outlined separately in the Department of Infrastructure and Transport’s Night Travel for Agricultural Machinery and Night Travel for Rubber Tracked Tractors information bulletins, as well as the network conditions included in the Limited Access Locations in SA information bulletin. This eliminates the need for operators to cross-reference two websites.Also, a further benefit of this consolidation has been that the NHVR has worked with South Australian road managers who hadn’t consented to night travel by every eligible vehicle and combination type under the Notice to extend their consent to incorporate all of these.The NHVR has also produced an Agricultural Heavy Vehicle Zone Map training video for operators to use in conjunction with the Operator’s Guide to help them quickly find approved access zones, conditions of access, and prohibited roads and structures.New Regulatory Advice on light to medium heavy vehicles releasedThe NHVR has released new regulatory advice about identifying and managing the safety risks of light to medium heavy vehicles.This is the second in a series of regulatory advice pieces to help industry and the supply chain better understand Chain of Responsibility laws.Operators or owners of light to medium heavy vehicles – that’s a vehicle with a GVM or ATM of more than 4.5t and less than 12t – may not be aware of their legal obligations under the HVNL.This new guidance provides an easy-to-read snapshot of what risks are involved, who has a responsibility to manage those risks, and some useful advice and resources.More regulatory advice will be released in the coming weeks and industry is encouraged to provide feedback via the NHVR website.> Read the new regulatory advice hereCurfew lifted for essential goods in VictoriaHeavy vehicle drivers in Victoria delivering food items or personal hygiene products to premises selling these items to the public can now pass a ‘no trucks’ sign to make the delivery at any time of the day.They can also stay in a loading zone for the time required to pick up or drop off these items. This is a temporary arrangement due to the impact of COVID-19 and will finish at midnight on 7 April 2022.> Read more about the Victoria Government Gazette here Consider a career with the NHVRWe value staff with a genuine belief in the work they do and the benefit it will bring.www.nhvr.gov.au/careersConnect with us on social media Having troubles viewing this email? Please click here to view online.Get in touch13 NHVR (136 487)www.nhvr.gov.au Enjoying On The Road?Forward this email to share with a friend or click here to subscribe another address.
ON THE ROAD Issue 130
on 2021-12-17 04:02:35
by
Donna
Posted in
NHVR
Issue 130 | 14 December 2021The holiday season is here, and for many, that means a break from work and time with family and friends. For the heavy vehicle industry though, Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year.With borders opening up, we know there will be much more traffic on our roads and a little more care and patience will be required to ensure everyone remains safe. I urge everyone to please continue to undertake daily safety checks and get quality rest.Importantly, I again want to thank the heavy vehicle industry and supply chain for your vital and essential support to the Australian community over the last 12 months.It is a huge credit to the road transport sector that you have continued to navigate the constantly changing environment. Thank you for remaining resilient in your approach to ensure the best health and safety outcomes for everyone you have interactions with. Thank you.I’m also particularly proud heading into Christmas and the new year that we can be confident in the health of our national heavy vehicle fleet.Today we released the results of our National Roadworthiness Survey which showed the rate of non-conformities are down to 31 per cent from 48 per cent in 2016. This is a positive outcome and means safer trucks on our roads, as well as improved productivity through less truck breakdowns. Well done to all owners and operators for their investment in achieving this result.We know the current AdBlue situation is top of mind for industry as we head into the Christmas period. The NHVR is providing assistance to the Commonwealth to support their work in this area.Have a safe and happy Christmas, and I look forward to working with you all in 2022. Sal, CEOA healthy heavy vehicle fleet heading into ChristmasThe NHVR has congratulated owners and operators that have contributed to a significant improvement in the mechanical health of Australia’s heavy vehicle fleet.NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the results of the National Roadworthiness Survey 2021 which inspected 13,325 heavy vehicle units across 8338 heavy vehicle combination in all Australian states and territories between May and June showed significant improvements.The key findings from the survey included:The rate of all non-conformities has dropped from the 48 per cent in 2016 to 31 per cent in 2021The rate of major non-conformities and grounding has halved to six per cent of vehicle inspectedBrakes remained the highest non-conforming components – reducing from 25 per cent in 2016 to 14 per cent in 2021Rigid trucks were the highest non-conforming vehicle type at 38 per cent, which has again reduced from 52 per cent in 2016The average age of the inspected fleet was 10.2 years, compared to 9.2 years in 2016.> Read more about the NRS:2021 hereNHVR security seals provide safety assurance for operatorsThe NHVR will commence using branded security seals from 4 January 2022, supporting measures to deliver a consistent tamper proof transport and logistics network.The seals will be used by NHVR officers in South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and the ACT where a heavy vehicle’s load is sealed and inspected.Director Southern Region (Operations) Paul Simionato confirmed the seals would add an additional level of assurance for operators and drivers, together with those taking final delivery of loads.“The seals are another example of the NHVR delivering increased levels of safety and security across industry,” Paul said.“On an occasion where an officer inspects a load, we will re-seal the load with an NHVR security seal, signalling that the load has been inspected and hasn’t been tampered with when it arrives at its final destination.”Any questions regarding security seals, please contact Operational.support@nhvr.gov.auRenewed notice allows short work breaks for concrete agitator driversEligible concrete agitator drivers can continue to record idle time spent in a stationary vehicle while the engine is running as a ‘short work break’, under the upcoming National Heavy Vehicle Concrete Agitator Work and Rest Hours Exemption Notice 2022 (No 1).The renewed exemption notice comes into effect on 1 January 2022 and will allow concrete agitator drivers to take 30 minute ‘short work breaks’ in blocks of 15 continuous minutes while they are sitting in the driver’s seat of a loaded truck and not working.NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said this exemption notice provides a practical solution to work and rest management that benefits the industry.“After consulting with industry and conducting a successful trial, we can continue to offer a sensible and safe answer to the common problem of drivers using their work hours for what is effectively rest, when they are held up at a site."“The exemption notice provides both safety and productivity improvements for this important and busy sector.”CCAA CEO Ken Slattery said the renewed exemption notice will be welcomed by industry, as it provides flexibility for drivers by allowing them to choose when they take a break.“This notice allows eligible concrete agitator drivers to take control of their work and rest hours, improving productivity for the concrete industry without compromising safety,” Mr Slattery said.> Click here to read the updated National Heavy Vehicle Concrete Agitator Work and Rest Hours Exemption Notice 2022 (No 1)Online National Class 2 Road Train Authorisation Notice Operator’s Guide The NHVR has released an online operator’s guide for the National Class 2 Road Train Authorisation Notice 2020. The online operator’s guide will replace the PDF guides with one mobile-responsive webpage.Feedback from industry confirmed it’s much easier to find information in these online operator’s guides, which can still be printed as a complete document if operators want to carry a paper copy in their trucks.> Click here to read the online National Class 2 Road Train Authorisation Notice 2020 Operator's GuideHealthy Heads in Trucks and Sheds launches industry recognition campaignHealthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds Foundation recently launched its Industry Recognition Campaign, which aims to raise public awareness of the fantastic work of those in the transport and logistics sector - a largely unseen workforce in Australia.NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the campaign would help support improved mental health, safety and wellbeing for truck drivers, distribution centre, and warehouse staff across Australia.“Truck drivers and workers in the heavy vehicle supply-chain are instrumental in keeping Australia’s economy moving, but their efforts aren’t always visible to those who don’t work in the industry,” Sal said.“This campaign will help recognise the dedication and commitment of everyone in the sector during what has been a particularly challenging period.”> Learn more about the HHTS Industry Recognition Campaign hereChristmas and New Year travel restrictionsOver the Christmas and New Year period, there are travel restrictions in place for certain Class 1 heavy vehicles as outlined below.For vehicles operating under a permit, operators should check the permit's conditions to establish whether Christmas or public holiday travel restrictions are listed or are referenced in related notices.All heavy vehicles are subject to conditions of access under their relevant notice or permit.> Click here for more information about holiday accessNHVR office hoursThe NHVR offices will close on Saturday 25 December 2021 and re-open on Tuesday 4 January 2021.During this time, we will continue to process NHVAS and Access applications, but we will not be processing other types of applications (i.e. Fatigue, PBS or Vehicle Standards).The NHVR Contact Centre will be closed on national public holidays, but will open on all other business days from 8am–6pm (AEDT). The Heavy Vehicle Confidential Reporting Line will be closed from 25 December 2021 to 3 January 2022 inclusive.Please be aware that other road managers, such as local governments, may have limited or no services available during this period.> Click here for more informationConsider a career with the NHVRWe value staff with a genuine belief in the work they do and the benefit it will bring.www.nhvr.gov.au/careersConnect with us on social media Having troubles viewing this email? Please click here to view online.Get in touch13 NHVR (136 487)www.nhvr.gov.au
NHVR ON THE ROAD Issue 129
on 2021-12-02 01:19:01
by
Donna
Posted in
NHVR
Issue 129 | 30 November 2021Last week, we opened funding applications for the latest round of our Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI), which will deliver tangible safety outcomes for the Australian heavy vehicle industry and all road users.Over the previous six rounds of the initiative, the Federal Government has provided $28 million across 117 grant projects ranging from mental health and wellbeing initiatives to chain of responsibility education.One project from Round 4 that I was particularly excited to see launch recently was the ARTSA Institute’s Truck Fires Safety Program, which gave industry safety strategies to reduce the number of truck fires that occur every year.The HVSI is a fantastic program that can achieve significant safety benefits for the industry and community, so I encourage those with a budding safety project to submit an application.In other recent news, I would like to congratulate Infrastructure Australia’s (IA) newly appointed Chair and Board members. It is extremely pleasing to see the wealth of heavy vehicle industry experience represented on the new Board, as well as the diverse range of perspectives to form the nation’s independent infrastructure advisor’s panel.As we move into the busy season, your focus on safety will be important. We’ll continue to focus on education as an alternative to prosecution, and together we’ll work towards preventing future safety risks and tragedies on our roads.We know that in almost every case of an accident or injury, had proper safety measures been followed, an incident wouldn’t occur. You can read about the latest $750,000 enforceable undertaking the NHVR accepted from Lindsay Transport in this edition of On the Road.I encourage you all to continue to practise care and consistency and call out behaviours that are unsafe.Sal, CEO$5.6 million for heavy vehicle safety grantsApplications are now open for Round 7 of the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI), which will see $5.6 million invested into initiatives that will deliver safety improvements across Australia’s heavy vehicle industry.NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto urged community and industry groups with tangible, effective ideas that align with the theme Safer Drivers, Safer Vehicles, Safer Road Use to submit their application and make a difference.“I look forward to continuing to work with the industry to find solutions that make our roads safer,” Sal said.Applications for Round 7 funding are open until 14 February 2022. The HVSI is funded by the Federal Government.> Read more about HVSI Round 7Lindsay Transport enters $750,000 enforceable undertakingThe NHVR has accepted an enforceable undertaking (EU) from Lindsay Transport that will see approximately $750,000 contributed towards implementing safety training and chain of responsibility education across the Lindsay Transport group of companies.The EU stems from an NHVR investigation into Lindsay Transport’s safety policies and procedures, following the death of driver John Bolton on the Logan Motorway in Queensland in November 2018.The EU requires Lindsay Transport to spend almost $750,000 across two years to implement safety strategies that will ensure all practical steps are taken to prevent any further loss of life, and future public risks are effectively mitigated.“We consulted with Mr. Bolton’s family who expressed their support to accept Lindsay’s EU proposal, given it will deliver activities that directly address the risk that caused this incident, compared to a prosecution where the only penalty available was a fine,” NHVR Director of Prosecutions Belinda Hughes said.> To read more about the EU, click hereCourt ordered conditions to prevent repeat law offendersThe National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has prosecuted two Tasmanian operators for unsafe vehicles and fatigue-related offences, resulting in $27,000 in fines and court ordered Supervisory Intervention Orders (SIOs).NHVR Director of Prosecutions Belinda Hughes said the prosecutions marked two significant milestones for the NHVR, which would help improve safety across the entire heavy vehicle supply chain.> Read more about the SIOs hereNew Board appointments for Infrastructure AustraliaThe Australian Government has appointed Cr Colin Murray as the new Chair of the independent Infrastructure Australia Board.Cr Murray is joined by Vicki Meyer, Cr Vonette Mead, Amanda Cooper, Dr Vanessa Guthrie AO, Elizabeth Schmidt and Robert Moffat who have also been appointed as Directors of Infrastructure Australia’s Board.Infrastructure Australia Interim Chair Mark Balnaves said he was pleased to welcome both Mr Murray and the new Directors to the IA Board and looked forward to the valuable contributions they will bring.> To read the full announcement, click hereSafety Management Systems – the smart move for businessesNHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto recently reminded industry of the benefits of implementing a Safety Management System (SMS).“An SMS helps you better manage the safety of your operations, is a great way to attract new business and ensure you remain compliant with heavy vehicle safety laws.“As Australia’s heavy vehicle industry grows, I encourage everyone to take some time to either review your existing SMS, or to put one in place.”> Click here to read the full articleIf it’s flooded, forget itFlood weather warnings continue in NSW, ACT, VIC and QLD. Make sure you plan ahead and check conditions to ensure safe travel when operating around flood-affected areas.The NHVR has further information online, including road closure updates and applications for emergency accreditation. > To view updates, click here.COVID-19 UpdateAs state and territory border restrictions ease, it’s important that the heavy vehicle industry continues to work together to ensure the safety of our industry, particularly heading into a busy time of the year.The NHVR has a dedicated COVID-19 page on its website, outlining the latest directives, border and vaccination requirements and other information.Industry is encouraged to regularly check the website – www.nhvr.gov.au/coronavirus – and please continue to take care.Consider a career with the NHVRWe value staff with a genuine belief in the work they do and the benefit it will bring.www.nhvr.gov.au/careersConnect with us on social media Having troubles viewing this email? Please click here to view online.Get in touch13 NHVR (136 487)www.nhvr.gov.au Enjoying On The Road?Forward this email to share with a friend or click here to subscribe another address.
ON THE ROAD Issue 128
on 2021-11-18 13:41:21
by
Donna
Posted in
NHVR
Issue 128 | 17 November 2021Safety is our number one priority, and we all have a responsibility to ensure our industry goes to work and arrives home safely.This year, we’ve been working closely with the industry to develop a Heavy Vehicle Safety Strategy for the future and I was pleased to release the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Strategy 2021 - 25 and the first of a yearly Action Plan last week.As a modern, risk-based regulator, the focus of our Strategy and Action Plan is based on data-driven intelligence, ensuring we’re targeting and minimising the greatest safety risks on roads and supply chains. As the heavy vehicle industry grows, so too must our continued focus on delivering safety at the highest level.A key part of the strategy and our approach to regulation is ensuring we provide industry and the supply chain with the information and tools you need to manage your business and perform your role safely.In this edition we have released the first piece of regulatory advice material (available here) that provide simple and easy-to-understand guidance about safely transporting shipping container freight. We are keen to hear from you to understand if the information is helpful and if there is anything additional you think we should include. We want to make sure we get it right and it is a valuable resource.I encourage you to read through this important safety information to ensure you are doing everything you can to stay safe as we head into the busy holiday season.Sal, CEOIndustry partnership guides positive safety futureMore fatigue risk management options, targeted compliance activities and promoting safer, cleaner and efficient heavy vehicles are some of the key initiatives to be delivered under the first year of the NHVR’s five-year strategy for heavy vehicle safety.NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the Heavy Vehicle Safety Strategy 2021-25 and supporting Action Plan 2021-22 was developed in consultation with a wide range of government, industry and safety advocates. “This Strategy outlines our collective ambitions in achieving better heavy vehicle safety outcomes and reducing the number of crashes, fatalities and serious injuries involving heavy vehicles,” Mr Petroccitto said.> Click here to read more about the StrategyNew Regulatory Advice materials availableOver the coming months, the NHVR will be releasing a suite of regulatory advice to help industry the supply chain better understand Chain of Responsibility laws.The first piece of advice is available now and relates to managing the risks of transporting shipping container freight.“As a risk-based regulator, we’re focused on identifying the greatest safety risks to all parties in the Chain of Responsibility, and helping eliminate or control these risks,” NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said.“Our Regulatory Advice Program is about clearly communicating information to everyone who needs to know, making the heavy vehicle industry and our roads safer.”To read the regulatory advice, click here.Additional regulatory advice will be released over the coming months and industry is encouraged to provide feedback via the NHVR’s website.Long vehicle warning sign changesThe NHVR is reminding operators of long vehicles or road trains to ensure that they are fitted with the correct signage when travelling.The requirements were simplified in 2019 and transitional arrangements for these changes will end on 9 December 2021.Combinations 22-30 metres require a Long Vehicle sign fitted to the back of the vehicle, while combinations 30+ metres long require Road Train signs fitted to the front and back of the vehicle.Operators should also be aware of the conditions of their vehicle’s access approval and continue to observe the road rules and speed limits as set out in each jurisdiction.> For more information about the sign changes, click here.Heavy vehicle safety this grain harvest seasonWith this season’s grain harvest in full swing in many parts of Australia, the NHVR is urging primary producers and contractors to make heavy vehicle safety a priority.Following questions from operators, the NHVR recently released advice that has assessed that a comb mounted on a frame (trailer) designed and built for that dedicated purpose is an agricultural vehicle.This makes it eligible to operate as part of an agricultural combination under the National Agricultural Vehicle Notice (i.e. subject to meeting all other applicable notice conditions).Combs carried on a flatbed or low loader or other types of trailers designed for general transportation work are not considered ‘agricultural vehicles’ under the HVNL and cannot operate under the National Agricultural Vehicle Notice.> Click here for the National Class 1 Agricultural Vehicle and Combination Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice Operator’s Guide.> Click here for more information on heavy vehicle safety this grain harvest season.If it’s flooded, forget itWith recent weather bringing widespread rain and flooding to parts of the country, heavy vehicle operators are reminded to be aware of their travel routes and to check the conditions before planning their trip.The NHVR has further information online, including road closure updates and applications for emergency accreditation. To view updates, click here.COVID-19 UpdateAs state and territory border restrictions ease, it’s important that the heavy vehicle industry continues to work together to ensure the safety of our industry, particularly heading into a busy time of the year.The NHVR has a dedicated COVID-19 page on its website, outlining the latest directives, border and vaccination requirements and other information.Industry is encouraged to regularly check the website – www.nhvr.gov.au/coronovirus – and please continue to take care.Consider a career with the NHVRWe value staff with a genuine belief in the work they do and the benefit it will bring.www.nhvr.gov.au/careersConnect with us on social media Having troubles viewing this email? Please click here to view online.Get in touch13 NHVR (136 487)www.nhvr.gov.au Enjoying On The Road?Forward this email to share with a friend or click here to subscribe another address.