Second National Roadworthiness Survey to see new round of NHVR inspections
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) and the federal government are urging heavy vehicle operators to use their daily safety checklist, ahead of the second major health check of Australia’s heavy vehicle fleet.
They are being asked to take a few minutes before each trip to check basic safety items on their vehicle.
“A quick visual inspection can identify any issues and give you peace of mind that the vehicle is safe and ready for the journey,” federal transport minister Michael McCormack says.
“It is a series of simple steps that aligned with the National Heavy Vehicle Inspection Manual that every driver should undertake daily.”
Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz reinforces the message, insisting this is an important initiative for Australia’s heavy vehicle operators to take part in.
“From next month, the NHVR will undertake the second National Roadworthiness Survey, which will check the mechanical health of Australia’s heavy vehicle fleet,” Buchholz says.
“Authorised officers from the NHVR and partner agencies across Australia will conduct a mechanical inspection of 8,000 heavy vehicles including trucks, buses and other special purpose vehicles.”
Read about the findings of the first national roadworthiness survey, here
The first survey conducted in 2016 was the largest snapshot of the health of Australia’s heavy vehicle fleet ever undertaken, the governments notes.
“Each vehicle will receive a comprehensive visual and mechanical inspection and requires the use of specialised equipment,” NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto says.
“Inspections can take 45 minutes on average.
“It is usually a shorter period for compliant vehicles and longer for non-compliant vehicles.
“We understand the importance of keeping the heavy vehicle supply chain moving and where possible officers will ensure minimal disruption occurs.”
All heavy vehicle inspections will be inspected using the National Heavy Vehicle Inspection Manual.
The first incarnation of the survey, the National Roadworthiness Baseline Survey (NRBS) saw 7,000 heavy vehicles and 11,000 total units inspected but was subject to questioning by the Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA).
While welcoming publication of the data, HVIA believed the report could overstate non-conforming brake systems, particularly for lightly laden trailers fitted with advanced braking technologies that incorporate a load-sensing function.
Read about the HVIA’s concerns back then, here.