The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is currently on track to meet its National Roadworthiness Survey (NRS) targets according to COO Paul Salvati, who has revealed there are already some emerging non-compliance trends in heavy vehicles across the nation.
The NHVR’s 2024 survey kicked off on July 15 in collaboration with Western Australia and the Northern Territory, and as of Friday, August 9, a total of over 3500 inspections have already been completed across all jurisdictions.
Salvati, in an exclusive interview with ATN, discussed the trends that are already emerging in the early stages of the survey.
“Although we are still in the early stages of the survey, we are noticing some early trends in the types of defects being identified,” Salvati says.
“Brakes are the most non-compliant component so far.
“To date we have completed around 3550 inspections. We still have some time to go but it’s looking like we will hit those target numbers (8500 inspections) nationally by the time the survey concludes.
“With the transition of Queensland services to the NHVR in April this year, we are now operating across all HVNL states (ACT, NSW, QLD, SA, TAS and VIC) which enables us to roster staff across jurisdictions to assist with meeting our target of 8,500 inspections.
“The NHVR is also collaborating with our counterparts in the Northern Territory by supplying two staff per week over the first five weeks of the survey. This is so we can support Authorised Officers in the Northern Territory and remain on target at a national level.”
Ahead of the commencement of the survey the NHVR promoted an average inspection time goal of 45 minutes, with any time taken to be logged as work time by drivers with normal fatigue management rules applying.
Most of the inspections are random roadside intercepts to ensure the data collected is as representative of the in-service fleet as possible, however certain vehicles, such as buses and special purpose vehicles (SPVs) are being inspected at depots.
Currently, inspections are occurring drastically quicker than the initial estimated timeframe, with Salvati praising the conduct of drivers across the nation in allowing inspections to be completed as quickly as possible.
“We have been allowing 45 minutes on average to conduct these intercepts and pleasingly, so far, the time taken to do these inspections is well under this figure, averaging 32 minutes per inspection nationally,” Salvati says.
“Inspections involve a thorough and comprehensive examination of the mechanical condition of the vehicle or trailer, and we base these on the National Heavy Vehicle Inspection Manual. We want to encourage industry to prepare for the NRS by reading the NHVR Daily Safety Checklist.
“By taking a few minutes before each trip to conduct a safety check, potential issues can be identified and addressed, reducing the time taken to do the inspection.
“The involvement we’ve had with drivers has been positive, and we want to thank industry for cooperating with us during the process.
“We’re also working with operators to assist with unique vehicle types that require surveying like buses or SPVs that may require inspections at depots rather than on the road.”
With the survey now roughly one-third complete, eyes are starting to shift to the potential impacts it could have on Australia’s wider heavy vehicle industry.
Inspections will be continuing until the end of September this year, following which the NHVR will take a deep dive into its findings.
“The first phase of the survey is due to be completed at the end of September 2024,” Salvati says.
“Once the initial phase is complete a report will be published on the NHVR website in early 2025.
“This report will outline the findings of the survey, allowing us to determine where improvements have been made in heavy vehicle safety in addition to where more focus may be needed.”
The survey is being conducted based on a quota advice provided by a statistician, with specific industries, drivers or vehicles not being targeted. The data collected on the mechanical condition of specific vehicles will also not be published.
For more information on the NHVR’s National Roadworthiness Survey, click here.
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