Issue 84 | 21 April 2020

Message from the CEO

There are a growing number of conversations about the physical safety and mental wellbeing of heavy vehicle drivers. The NHVR has recognised the need for ongoing support and information for drivers with funding for two important studies as part of our Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative, supported by the Federal Government. Even in their early stages the studies by Perth-based Injury Matters and by Canberra-based OzHelp highlight the vast challenges faced by truck drivers even before the changes that have occurred over the last six weeks. I look forward to releasing the results of these studies in the coming weeks and months. It’s been a difficult year with the bushfires and now the pandemic response. Tensions around service centres, truck stops and transfer facilities are likely to be higher than normal. Drivers, members of the supply chain, service centres and authorised officers are all in this together and we need to support and respect each other now more than ever. Sal

$249,500 enforceable undertaking for chain of responsibility education

The NHVR has accepted an enforceable undertaking from Laing O’Rourke Australia Construction Pty Ltd that will see $249,500 contributed to chain of responsibility education.  The EU stems from an allegation by Roads and Maritime Services that on 16 October 2018 and 24 May 2019 LORAC failed to comply with the mass requirements as required by s 96(1)(c) of the Heavy Vehicle National Law. NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said that the EU was a first for the NHVR and was an appropriate alternative to prosecution in the circumstances.  Click here to read the full statement

Visual inspections continue as RBT calibration relaxed

The NHVR has granted a temporary relaxation of calibration requirements for roller-brake testing (RBT) equipment. NHVR Vehicle Safety and Performance Manager Peter Austin said the NHVR’s National Roller Brake Test Procedure required that machines used to conduct tests are calibrated in accordance with the manufacturers’ standards every 12 or 24 months. “We have had manufacturers come to us reporting difficulty in achieving some of the calibration requirements because of the current travel restrictions,” Mr Austin said. “We want to support industry and recognise this relaxation will only affect a small number of testing units.” “Not having a machine calibrated can have minor impacts on the machine and accuracy of tests, so we have provided some practice guidance, including using additional visual inspections that can be conducted to validate the test results.” Click here for the full article

PBS third party assessor roles made clear

Performance Based Standards (PBS) certifiers provide an important service and recent restriction of movements may impact their ability to physically inspect a vehicle. The NHVR has provided advice to allow the certification process to continue to ensure that vehicles have been built to the PBS Design Approval. Click here for the updated Information for PBS Assessors and Certifiers fact sheet

Have your say on freight productivity and livestock supply chain

Feedback on the Livestock Supply Chain Review Issues Paper, Improving awareness and practices in the livestock supply chain, closes on Friday, April 24. For more information or to lodge a submission visit www.nhvr.gov.au/about-us/consultation

Opened service centres welcomed by drivers

Thank you to the retailers and heavy vehicle operators that have provided information to update the NHVR Service Centre map. The map was launched earlier this month to show which service centres, truck stops and roadhouses remain open for heavy vehicle drivers. Stakeholder Engagement and Customer Experience Manager John Gilbert thanked service centres for their efforts in remaining open to support drivers. “I know many truck drivers are grateful for somewhere clean to stop, get a feed and a rest,” John said. “We’ve been made aware of a small number of issues in relation to theft and vandalism, which have been passed on to police. “I’d urge all road users to respect the amenities that have remained open for their use.” If you have been out on the roads and seen a business that isn’t listed on the map please get in touch with us via email at digital@nhvr.gov.au

Meet the operators on our new ‘On Channel’ series

Frasers Livestock Transport is now in its 76th year of operation, transporting sheep, cattle and pigs across eastern Australia. With nearly 60 trucks in their fleet, chances are you’ve seen one of the signature green vehicles on the road. We had a chat to Warwick Fraser about how their business uses the different features in the NHVR Portal, and how it's adapted its operations in this unusual period. Watch the video on our Facebook channel​