NHVR is working with other states to identity additional sites along busy freight routes
Heavy vehicle monitoring systems allow enforcement agencies to identify drivers and operators who “systematically flout fatigue laws”, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) states.
The statement comes as federal transport and infrastructure minister Darren Chester announced new automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) camera systems at five locations across major freight networks in Victoria, including:
- Hume Freeway at Wallan
- Calder Freeway at Gisbourne
- Western Freeway at Ballan
- Goulburn Valley Freeway at Murchison
- Princess Freeway at Yarragon
Part of NHVR’s national compliance plan, the $4 million project is being funded under federal government’s heavy vehicle safety initiative that focuses on key heavy vehicle corridors and black spots across Australia.
Chester says evaluating the reasons for road accidents requires a “multifaceted approach”, and vehicle monitoring systems are a step in that direction.
“These types of high-tech monitoring cameras have been very useful in encouraging safe driving practices, and in the future they will be linked to other Australian states through the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator as part of a national effort to improve heavy vehicle safety,” Chester says.
“Putting more cameras on the ground is a critical step towards a national camera network and better data sharing across borders will reinforce our efforts to make our major freight networks safer.
“It also means authorities can better detect risky behaviour and unsafe practice on our roads, which helps narrow our focus for compliance and enforcement efforts.”
It is estimated that each camera site costs $200,000-$800,000, based on what infrastructure facilities are already in place at the location.
NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto says the heavy vehicle camera network is part of the NHVR’s broader national compliance and information system plans.
The new cameras will support real-time, agency-linked data-collection to be used by authorities irrespective of their location.
“National visibility of vehicle movements will allow the NHVR and other enforcement agencies to identify drivers and operators who systematically flout fatigue laws,” Petroccitto says.
The regulator states that it is currently working with other state road transport authorities to identify additional camera sites located within the busiest freight routes to maximise heavy vehicle monitoring capability.