NHVR (73)
ON THE ROAD Issue 127
on 2021-11-05 00:43:05
by
Donna
Posted in
NHVR
Issue 127 | 3 November 2021The NHVR has this week announced the re-appointment of three board members, including Chair, the Honourable Duncan Gay, together with members Ken Lay AO APM and Robin Stewart-Crompton.I am delighted that all three members accepted the opportunity to continue alongside fellow board members Julie Russell and Catherine Scott, delivering consistency for the NHVR as we progress a number of significant measures, including opportunities to enhance the Heavy Vehicle National Law.In line with the re-appointments, we have also released the NHVR’s updated strategic vision for heavy vehicle safety and productivity reform. As our nation and industry evolves, so too must our priorities and urgency to build on our efforts to be an intelligence-led and risk-based regulator.The NHVR first released its Strategic Directions plan in 2016. Since then, we’ve experienced a lot of change and growth across industry, with our updated plan focussed on three imperatives:Delivering modern and responsive regulation with a focus on sharing data and insights with industryPursuing a consistent safety and productivity agenda focused on increased certaintyInvesting in our digital capabilities to improve how we do business with industry and stakeholders.Some of the ongoing programs of work supporting our Strategic Directions plan include providing increased and tailored regulatory guidance, advocating for practical policy changes and delivering a modern approach to access, focused on understanding infrastructure and providing simpler and more interactive route planning. We’re also ensuring necessary priority is given to promoting positive mental wellbeing amongst industry and the supply chain.We’ve come a long way since 2016 – and we have a lot of opportunities ahead of us. The NHVR has a positive and proactive Strategic Directions plan, critical in ensuring a safe and successful road transport task into the future.Sal, CEOReappointed NHVR Board releases vision for modern regulationDelivering truly borderless operations and increasing flexibility for safe operators are key features of a modern regulatory approach, as outlined in the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s (NHVR) Strategic Directions 2021-2026 document.NHVR Chair Duncan Gay said the release of the NHVR’s long term Strategy (first released in 2016) came at a critical time for industry, as the regulator pursues ambitious and relevant industry reform to the Heavy Vehicle National Law, currently under the spotlight.“We know the majority of industry want to do the right thing – our job is to leverage this through data sharing and tailored regulatory approaches to lift safety standards right along the supply chain,” Mr Gay said.Mr Gay was recently reappointed Chair of the NHVR Board and welcomed the reappointment of current Board Members Ken Lay and Robin Stewart-Crompton for a further three years.“The reappointment of Ken and Robin at this critical time for our industry will enable continuity in pursuing the opportunities ahead of us,” he said. “They join Board members Julie Russell and Catherine Scott, who both bring a wealth of practical industry experience to the table.”The NHVR’s Strategy Directions document will be reviewed in another five years, following the completion of transition of services.> To view the latest Strategic Directions document, click here.New PBS access notice provides permit-free travelA new notice delivered by the NHVR will give eligible Performance Based Standards (PBS) vehicles immediate network access when they receive a vehicle approval with a Tier 1 bridge assessment. The notice applies in South Australia, the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Tasmania and Victoria.NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the removal of the need to source an access permit prior to travel on the road network was a huge reduction in red tape for operators of PBS vehicles and a boost to productivity.“It will significantly help industry through knowing they have immediate access once a vehicle approval is issued for eligible PBS vehicles under this Notice,” added Mr Petroccitto.A link to the Notice and operator’s guide is below:National Class 2 Performance Based Standards (Tier 1) Authorisation Notice 2021 Operator’s Guide> For further information, click here.Renewal Application – timeframe updateThe NHVR has revised the timeframe for current renewal application submissions, from six weeks to 12 weeks. The increase in time provides industry more flexibility and time to plan as industry can renew anytime within the 12-week window.This change also provides road managers additional opportunities to consider changes or improvements to heavy vehicle access, including new assessment of infrastructure since the last approval, or new alternatives such as bypass options.The NHVR encourages operators to ensure they have taken the time to undertake any route amendments or additions before submitting renewals. Amendments can still be made up to six weeks prior to the renewal date.> The revision is in place now, with further information located via the NHVR’s Road Access pageEffective court ordered outcome for NHVR and DriverA driver facing four charges of fatigue breaches and a maximum penalty of $67,320 has instead been ordered to obtain an Electronic Work Diary (EWD) by the South Australian court.This is the 3rd successful application of a Supervisory Intervention Order (SIO) by the NHVR and the first time a court has ordered an EWD to address fatigue breaches.Upon inspection of the vehicle’s load and driver’s work diary, the driver confirmed to NHVR Safety Compliance Officers in South Australia they had worked a total of 15 hours in a 24-hour period, which was in breach of the fatigue rules under the Heavy Vehicle National Law.The driver appeared in court and pleaded guilty, with the NHVR Prosecutions team recommending an SIO as appropriate.The court ordered the driver pay a $6,000 fine, wholly suspended if compliant with the SIO, which was approved in the form requested by the NHVR Prosecutions team.As part of the SIO, the driver is required to:Purchase an NHVR-approved EWDRecord their driving and rest breaks in the EWDReport their EWD records to the NHVRNHVR Director of Prosecutions, Belinda Hughes said the order reflected the NHVR’s approach to seek sentences that are appropriate and proportionate to the nature of the safety risk and behaviour.“These orders address the offending behaviour by focusing on education and strategies to prevent an offence occurring again,” Ms Hughes said.“In this case, the driver does not have to pay a fine, provided he complies with the 12 month court order.“We hope that by using an EWD, the driver will improve his trip planning and ensuring he has adequate rest breaks preventing future fatigue breaches.”> For information on the benefits of an EWD, click here.NHVR approves first two EWDs based on iOS devicesThe NHVR has approved Q by Quallogi as the first Electronic Work Diary (EWD) to operate on an additional Android and two iOS devices.NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto confirmed the addition of Apple iPhone SE and iPad (5th Generation) last week, having approved Q by Quallogi in May this year as the fifth official EWD approved for use.“More and more drivers and operators are using EWDs and we expect this trend to increase in the future,” Mr Petroccitto said.“The more device flexibility that can be provided, the more options people have to use an EWD.”The NHVR is currently working with technology providers to develop innovative ways to meet industry’s demand and increase uptake of EWDs.> To stay up to date with approved EWDs and their conditions of use, visit www.nhvr.gov.au/ewdConsider 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
ON THE ROAD Issue 126
on 2021-10-21 01:59:58
by
Donna
Posted in
NHVR
Issue 126 | 20 October 2021This month, the NHVR joins thousands of businesses and communities in acknowledging National Work Safe Month and National Mental Health Month. Both themes are extremely important and ongoing priorities for industry and the NHVR.The focus for National Work Safe Month is about thinking safe, working safe and being safe; while National Mental Health Month is focused on the post pandemic recovery challenges and resilience.As Australia gathers increased momentum and state borders start to re-open, everyone’s safety and mental wellbeing is critical. For the heavy vehicle industry, we’ll see more vehicles on roads, and for many, the pace and necessity for goods to be delivered will increase, with the holiday season fast approaching.With this in mind, it’s a timely reminder to ensure safety is at the forefront of everything we do – and that includes ensuring drivers are getting the rest when needed, driving to the conditions, undertaking daily safety checks of vehicles, and importantly, ensuring that drivers are fit for duty. We’re continuing to approach safety through tailored approaches including raising awareness, education and taking enforcement action where required. An example of this approach is the work our prosecutions team is doing relating to enforceable undertakings, with our Director of Prosecutions discussing the approach as part of this edition of On The Road.We’re also continuing to pursue improved flexible fatigue safety outcomes through the Heavy Vehicle National Law review. We are focused on the law better recognising individual driver needs and helping them manage work and rest within current outer limits, as well as ensuring the law recognises safety technologies.The law also needs to enable the regulator to work with operators to establish work and rest hours and safety measures tailored specifically to the operator, and their drivers’ individual circumstances. Ultimately, operators and drivers know their business and how to maximise public safety better than anybody else.I encourage industry to continue to put forward your views to policymakers on how we can enhance fatigue management and all parts of the Heavy Vehicle National Law, as together, we deliver greater levels of safety, security and positive mental wellbeing this month – and ongoing.Sal, CEOHealthy Heads receives crucial funding this Mental Health MonthHealthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds (HHTS) will receive funding through the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI) to deliver targeted mental wellbeing resources, tools and programs for truck drivers, and distribution and warehouse staff.The funding allows HHTS to continue embedding the National Mental Health and Wellbeing Roadmap across the sector and deliver new initiatives on a national scale.NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the NHVR was extremely proud to support HHTS in their commitment to improving the mental health and wellbeing of the heavy vehicle industry and supply chain.“Prioritising the mental health and wellbeing of our industry and supply chain is crucial to keeping everyone safe, and the sector moving,” Sal said.> For more information, head to www.healthyheads.org.auSenSen contract next step in new monitoring technologyThe NHVR has welcomed a partnership with SenSen to deliver rapid deployable AI solutions using vehicle mounted cameras, a drone, and solar powered trailers.NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the contract was the next step in delivering new and innovative ways to make Australian roads safer for everyone.“Having the best, most up-to-date information, including information gathered through cameras, helps us to make better decisions about law reform, safety and productivity programs,” Sal said.> For more information on the contract, click hereApproved temporary variation to escorting arrangements in QueenslandThe NHVR, in consultation with the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) and Queensland Police Service (QPS), has allowed a temporary variation to escorting arrangements by QPS.Operators of Class 1 Oversize and Over Mass (OSOM) loads may use the temporary variation during the disaster declaration period relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, or until advised otherwise. The variation is applicable to Class 1 OSOM movements not exceeding 5.5 metres in width and 35 metres in length.The temporary variation is not valid for:wide loads travelling in convoy;all wide load movements involving contra-traffic flows, reverse direction of travel, traffic control and other manoeuvres contrary to the Queensland road rules.Please note that operators must carry a letter of temporary variation, along with any access permit, in the case of an authorised officer’s request. A copy of the letter of temporary variation can be downloaded here.> For further information, please visit the NHVR’s COVID-19 response pageOperator’s guide format – opportunity to commentA 92% satisfaction rating from operators and road managers for the NHVR’s first online National Road Train Prime Mover Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2021 Operator's Guide – which replaced several PDF guides and fact sheets with one mobile-responsive webpage – means we’ll now be publishing all future operator’s guides in this format.Feedback received about this, and the National Class 1 Special Purpose Vehicle (up to 40t total mass) Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2021 Operator's Guide, has 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.We’ll also be gradually replacing our existing PDF operator’s guides with online guides, starting with the National Class 1 Agricultural Vehicle and Combination Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice Operator’s Guide. To ensure this meets user requirements and to seek suggestions for improvement, we’ll be holding a webinar on the draft design on Thursday 4 November. There will be two session times: 9.30 – 10.30am and 1.30 –2.30pm.To register your attendance at one of these sessions, please contact Policy Officer Jodie Batten at jodie.batten@nhvr.gov.auEnforceable Undertakings – a prosecution alternativeNHVR Director of Prosecutions Belinda Hughes recently shared her thoughts on how enforceable undertakings (EUs) can encourage and monitor safer behaviours in an individual or company and improve safety for all road users.> Read Belinda's article hereMoney put into safety education, not fines for two trucking companiesThe NHVR recently accepted two enforceable undertakings (EU) from J.J. Richards & Sons Pty Ltd (JJR) and Brother Nature Pty Ltd (Brother) valued over $50,000 to correct activities around vehicle mass and loading requirements.NHVR Director of Prosecutions Belinda Hughes said EUs offer an alternative to a court fine.“Instead of proceeding with the court matter which may only result in a fine, we have given the companies an opportunity to spend money on their own safety systems and procedures that will protect them and the broader community in the future.”> Click here to read the full articleCOVID-19 UpdateThe heavy vehicle industry continues to keep Australia connected through the COVID-19 pandemic, with the NHVR, industry and governments working in partnership to ensure the safety of all Australians and plot a path to increased freedoms.The NHVR has a dedicated COVID-19 page on its website which details 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 stay safe and take care.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/coronavirusConnect with us on social media Having troubles viewing this email? Please click here to view online.Get in touch1300 MYNHVR (1300 696 487)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 125
on 2021-10-07 02:24:32
by
Donna
Posted in
NHVR
Issue 125 | 7 October 2021Australia’s road freight task is growing almost twice as fast as its population, with 40% growth predicted between 2020 and 2030. The NHVR has estimated that to meet this demand, Australia will need an additional 50,000 qualified and experienced drivers - and this doesn’t include those professional drivers that we will see retire during this time.We only have to turn on the TV to understand the dire consequences of truck driver shortages. I’m also hearing plenty of feedback from industry that we have increasing challenges with driver shortages here.The essential nature of our heavy vehicle industry has been clearly highlighted and reinforced in the last 20 months through COVID, as our communities better understand the vital role truck drivers play in keeping townships connected. Both governments and industry need to take these warnings seriously, particularly in a safety sense, and act now to ensure our systems such as licensing, are realistic and providing for the future.Yesterday, I appeared before the Joint Select Committee on Road Safety which is chaired by former Infrastructure and Transport Minister, Darren Chester and includes other key representatives including Senator Tony Sheldon.It was extremely pleasing that the Committee was particularly engaged on the issue of needing to reform our driver licensing system to focus on a competency rather than a time served approach, as well as ensuring the heavy vehicle task and the licensing system provides a clear and professional career path starting from school leaver age.The discussion was in line with the Australian Government’s recent announcement – which the NHVR welcomes – to invest in the Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements wage subsidy, encouraging employers to take on new drivers as an example.With the review of the Heavy Vehicle National Law currently underway, it provides an important opportunity to look at how we lift safety standards and prepare for the future across all critical heavy vehicle systems and processes.The NHVR will continue to work with industry and policy makers to ensure we provide the right tools and support to the heavy vehicle industry to set them up to succeed.Sal, CEOPrimary Producer concessions information added to Rego Checker AppUsers of the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s (NHVR) Registration Checker app can now check for primary producer concessions across all eastern states and South Australia.NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the free service would allow loaders, packers, and other supply chain parties to ensure vehicles were operating under the correct registration.“We’ve responded to feedback from industry groups and businesses that regularly raise concerns about some operators using primary producer discounts to operate on a commercial basis,” Mr Petroccitto said.“Including concession information will help industry and governments address and hopefully begin to reduce concession misuse across the industry in a more collective way.”> For more details, visit www.nhvr.gov.au/registrationNational Primary Production Work Diary Exemption NoticeThe NHVR has updated the National Primary Production Work Diary Exemption Notice to support the productivity of primary producers during the busy harvest season.Drivers of fatigue-regulated heavy vehicles that carry primary produce between a production facility and a point of sale can now drive 160km (rather than 100km) from their base before they are required to use the National Driver Work Diary.The updated notice is now in effect and ensures the continuation of increased productivity and efficiency for primary producer operators, without compromising safety.> To view the fact sheet and notice, click hereNHVR supports mechanical inspections ahead of grain harvestSouth Australian NHVR Safety and Compliance Officers (SCOs) recently partnered with the South Australian Agricultural Bureau to offer free, pre-harvest inspections of farm load carrying vehicles.Over three days, more than 120 heavy vehicles were inspected by the teams at Gladstone, Nurom and Redhill.NHVR SCOs provided advice, answered questions from drivers and operators, and delivered presentations on the use of Vehicle Inspection Trailers, which were used as part of the inspections.“This was an invaluable engagement opportunity with drivers and operators ahead a busy farm harvest season,” NHVR Director of Southern Region Operations Division, Paul Simionato said.“The safety of drivers and vehicles ensures a productive and efficient industry and I thank everyone involved for supporting this important exercise.”Harvest contractors focus of heavy vehicle safetyThe NHVR Stakeholder Engagement team recently worked with a harvesting contactor from Echuca in Victoria who had migrated north for the NSW grain harvest season.Like many contracts, he will be working his way home as the harvest season progresses moves south.“We assisted the contractor to identify what routes were covered by notices and how to apply for the permits he needed to access additional routes and new customers’ farms,” said Stakeholder Engagement Specialist Tim Hansen.> Click here for more information on heavy vehicle safety and access this grain harvest seasonNational Heavy Vehicle Inspection Manual version 3.0 releasedThe NHVR has released an updated version of the National Heavy Vehicle Inspection Manual (NHVIM) following a five-yearly review and extensive industry consultation.The NHVIM version 3.0 includes some new inspection criteria for the recently implemented vehicle standards, as well as some minor amendments to existing criteria to ensure it remains relevant to both new and existing heavy vehicles.The manual provides authorised officers, vehicle examiners and operators a consistent set of criteria when conducting heavy vehicle inspections, ensuring a national approach to the management of vehicle safety.The NHVIM v3.0 will come into effect on 18 October 2021. Any inspections conducted up until 18 October 2021 should continue to be performed using the NHVIM v2.4.> The NHVIM v3.0, and a summary of the updates, can be found hereDaylight savings – work diariesWith daylight savings now in place across many states and territories, the NHVR is reminding drivers travelling outside their normal time zone to ensure they count and record time, including night rests, according to the time zone of their base.As an example, if a driver is based in Queensland and drives into New South Wales during daylight savings time, they are required to record their work and rest hours in Queensland time.As work diaries record dates and locations, an Authorised Officer will be able to identify the daylight savings time change.> Click here for more information on counting timeFinding the flexibility to meet fatigue requirementsNHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto recently wrote about the NHVR’s Advanced Fatigue Management scheme and the opportunity for operators to take advantage of systems that provide more flexibility in meeting fatigue requirements and improving safety. > To read the column, click hereNew high productivity routes for VictoriaThe Victorian Government has approved another 700km of high productivity routes, further streamlining the process for a range of Performance Based Standards (PBS) vehicles in northern and central Victoria.New routes include the Maroondah/Melba Highway, Princes Hwy from Bruthen to the NSW border, and the Ringwood and Yarra Glen Bypasses. These routes are already in use, but until now have been subject to individual route assessments on a permit-by-permit basis. > Click here to read more about the high productivity routesCOVID-19 UpdateThe heavy vehicle industry continues to keep Australia connected though the COVID-19 pandemic, with the NHVR, industry and governments working in partnership to ensure the safety of all Australians and plot a path to increased freedoms.The NHVR has a dedicated COVID-19 page on its website which details 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 stay safe and 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 touch1300 MYNHVR (1300 696 487)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 124
on 2021-09-25 00:12:02
by
Donna
Posted in
NHVR
Issue 124 | 22 June 2021Our Prosecutions team, in partnership with Victoria Police, filed charges against an operator, its executive and employees following a tragic incident last year where a heavy vehicle hit and killed four police officers in Victoria.These Chain of Responsibility charges are significant and serve as a reminder of the importance of ensuring safe transport activities, no matter what your role in your organisation.Everyone in the industry has a responsibility to maintain the highest levels of safety on and off the road and the NHVR will continue to ensure that any safety breaches are fully investigated under the Heavy Vehicle Nation Law.Our thoughts remain with the family, friends and colleagues of those officers who lost their lives in this tragedy.Having a Safety Management System (SMS) in place is one way to mitigate the risk of safety and compliance breaches occurring in your organisation. I encourage owners and individuals to take advantage of our 9 Step SMS Roadmap and see how it can provide advantages for you and your safety.Finally, it’s important we all continue to play our part in following the health directives and advice in relation to COVID-19. One piece of critical information relates to vaccines and an increasing request by Chief Health Officers to be vaccinated prior to travelling to other states and territories. I’m fully vaccinated and it’s encouraging to see and hear of so many NHVR staff and people across the industry that are also vaccinated.As always, please remember to keep an eye on the latest COVID-19 information and importantly, updates on vaccine requirements to cross borders at www.nhvr.gov.au/coronavirusSal, CEOTaskforce Paragon: NHVR to prosecute Chain of Responsibility chargesCharges have been filed at Paramatta Local Court following a comprehensive 18-month investigation by Victoria Police detectives.Taskforce Paragon was established to investigate an incident on the Eastern Freeway in Melbourne in which a heavy vehicle hit and killed four Victoria Police officers while they were conducting a roadside intercept on 22 April 2020.NHVR Director of Prosecutions Belinda Hughes said the charges have been laid after multiple and critical breaches of the HVNL were identified.“These charges stem from an extensive interstate investigation by Victoria Police into the actions of the transport operator, its executive and its employees,” Ms Hughes said.“This tragedy is a sobering reminder of the consequences that can occur when there is a failure to ensure safe transport activities.”> For more information on these charges, click hereCompany nominates an enforceable undertaking over driver fineThe NHVR has accepted an enforceable undertaking (EU) made by Eifers Pty Ltd (Eifers) to the value of $44,000 in preference to obtaining a court ordered penalty against one of the company’s drivers. NHVR Director of Prosecutions Belinda Hughes said this EU was an example of an operator taking an active role in setting the standard for the safety and wellbeing of their staff.“Here we see an operator volunteer to improve its safety systems and demonstrate the importance of shared responsibility in ensuring safe operations on and off the road,” she said.“The measures committed by Eifers in this enforceable undertaking include industry-specific training on safety and risk management for all staff, in order to achieve fast and measurable improvements for its business operations.”> Click here to read the full articleFunding boost for heavy vehicle safety projectsThe NHVR has released details of the recipient of almost $5.5 million in 28 road safety projects through the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI).Round 6 of the HVSI includes backing for new education, research, training and technology initiatives that aim to deliver improved safety outcomes for the heavy vehicle industry and wider community.> To read more, including the full list of successful projects, click hereVirtual primary producer safety days for NSW farmersVirtual field days are becoming the new normal for NSW farmers with 75 people attending a series of safety sessions hosted by Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Councils.The Road Ready for Harvest Virtual Field Day was also supported by Transport for NSW, NSW Farmers, the NSW Rural Fire Service and NSW Police and the NHVR to assist farmers to prepare their heavy vehicle safety systems ahead of the 2021 harvest.> Click here for more information on the safety daysVehicle Standards Bulletin 6 ConsultationThe NHVR has recently drafted a new Modification Code for the Vehicle Standards Bulletin (VSB) 6: National Code of Practice for Heavy Vehicle Modifications.All interested operators and supply chain parties are invited to comment on the proposed Modification Code J4 – Tipper Bodies.A public consultation draft of the proposed Code is available for review on the NHVR’s website, with consultation closing on 19 October 2021.> For more information about the VSB6 review, or to provide your feedback, click hereVictoria Class Mobile Crane Mass and Dimension Exemption NoticeThe Victoria Class 1 4-axle & 5-axle All Terrain Mobile Crane Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice has recently been updated to reduce operators’ administrative workload and increase flexibility in choice of approved intelligent transport system. The NHVR has worked with VicRoads to remove the requirement for contacting the Victorian Transport Compliance Unit when crossing rail tracks, and operators can now have either Intelligent Access Program (IAP) or Telematics Monitoring Application (TMA) as their preferred telematics monitoring system. The Notice also removes a redundant vehicle standards exemption and requirement; otherwise, there are no changes to the exemptions, networks or conditions. > Click here to read the Victoria Class 1 4-Axle & 5-Axle All Terrain Mobile Crane Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2021 (No.2)> Click here to view the supporting information sheetTake care during COVID-19As the pandemic continues, the NHVR is reminding industry to keep up-to-date with the latest directives, border and vaccination requirements for freight workers travelling across the country. > For the latest updates, visit www.nhvr.gov.au/coronavirus
ON THE ROAD Issue 123
on 2021-09-25 00:05:12
by
Donna
Posted in
NHVR
Issue 123 | 7 September 2021The NHVR has released the latest version of its engine remapping campaign, focussed on the illegal practice of tampering with a heavy vehicle speed limiter to increase the engine above the legal speed limit.We’ve received a lot of feedback and support of this campaign and the important messages behind it, and it’s great to know that together, we are delivering a safe, efficient and productive future. I encourage you to view the campaign at www.nhvr.gov.au/engineremappingIn other industry news, I’m delighted to welcome Michael Deegan as the ATA’s new Chief Executive look forward to working with him and the entire team at the ATA as we work to deliver a future facing Heavy Vehicle National Law.I wish you all a safe week ahead and please remember to regularly check our COVID-19 webpage forthe latest COVID-19 news as it pertains to industry at www.nhvr.gov.au/coronavirusSal, CEONHVR’s Plan for ProductivityThe NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Productivity Plan 2020-25 (HVPP) is an important blueprint for a safe, efficient, and productive heavy vehicle industry. It sets out actions over a five-year period based on priorities requested by industry.NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the HVPP outlines how the NHVR will work with industry and government to identify and deliver on non-infrastructure productivity solutions.“Close to one year since releasing the HVPP, the NHVR has completed or significantly progressed 30 of our outlined goals,” Sal said.> Click here to read Sal's recent column on the Plan> Read the key highlights and progress on the Plan hereNHVR promotes speed limiter tampering campaignThe NHVR has released a targeted education campaign focused on the safety risks caused by illegal speed limiter tampering.NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the latest campaign aimed to prevent speeding before the foot touched the accelerator pedal.“Tampering with a heavy vehicle’s speed limiter to increase speed capacity not only poses safety risks to the driver and other road users, but it is illegal,” Sal said.> Read the full release and view the campaign hereNHVR welcomes new ATA chief executiveNHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto has welcomed the appointment of new Australian Trucking Association CEO Michael Deegan.“Michael has decades of experience across infrastructure and transport in Australia and has delivered many positive and practical outcomes for industry," Sal said.“He joins the ATA at a pivotal time, as we work towards delivering a forward-looking heavy vehicle law to support improved safety and enhanced productivity.”> The full statement can be found hereTell a caravaner We Need SpaceThe NHVR met with caravaners travelling in south-west Queensland last week to highlight the keys to operating safely around heavy vehicles on regional roads this Spring.NHVR Stakeholder Engagement officer Dan Casey said most caravaners were keen to understand their role in sharing regional roads safely with heavy vehicles.“Simple things like understanding how long it takes to overtake a heavy vehicle, understanding braking distances and blind spots and the importance of leaving space at shared rest areas,” Dan said.If you know someone who is travelling with a caravan, take the time to ensure they understand We Need Space to Keep You Safe. Click here for more information.The trip to Condamine was one of many engagements activities conducted by the NHVR stakeholder team deliver across the country and online every year to discuss a range of heavy vehicle topics from route planning and access permits to safety systems and Chain of Responsibility requirements.> For more information get in touch via email info@nhvr.gov.au or call 136 487Enforceable undertaking accepted following severe mass limit breachThe NHVR has accepted an enforceable undertaking from Zezt Pty Ltd that will see the company spend $23,430 towards Chain of Responsibility and mass requirements training.An investigation by NHVR’s Safety and Compliance Officers found that on 1 July 2020 Zezt failed to comply with the mass requirements as required by s 96(1)(c) of the Heavy Vehicle National Law.> Read more about the EU hereNHVR promotes Safety Bulletin for articulated cranesThe NHVR's Chief Engineer Les Brusza has developed a Safety Bulletin about the safe operation of articulated cranes, also known as pick and carry cranes.The Safety Bulletin highlights the unique handling and operational characteristics of articulated cranes and provides some additional measures that should be followed when operating these vehicles on the road network.> To view the Safety Bulletin from the NHVR, click here