As the rivers continue to rise across NSW and Victoria the NHVR has shared a list of resources for truck drivers to help them stay safe
The national heavy vehicle regulator (NHVR) reports there are a significant amount of roads closed across New South Wales (NSW) due to heavy rainfall and flooding.
The NHVR is urging all heavy vehicle operators to take steps to ensure safe travel when operating in and around areas affected by heavy rainfall and flooding.
Where possible operators should avoid travelling in impacted zones, however if required be aware of local emergency access arrangements.
Heavy vehicle access across flood-affected areas
The NHVR says heavy vehicle operators should take the following steps when accessing flood-affected areas:
Check the local road conditions through state road manager websites. A list of websites with the latest information about road conditions can be found below.
If travelling in an affected area, check with local emergency services or recovery operations.
Ensure your vehicle can travel on the existing network. If you’re travelling outside of these networks, you may need to obtain a permit through the NHVR Portal or call 13 NHVR (13 64 87) for assistance. Avoid using back tracks or off-network roads to get around road closures.
Traffic maps
You can find up-to-date traffic maps for each state at the links below:
ACT – https://www.cityservices.act.gov.au/roads-and-paths/act_public_road_closures
NSW – https://www.livetraffic.com/
QLD – https://qldtraffic.qld.gov.au/index.html or the Heavy Vehicle Restriction Report
SA – https://www.traffic.sa.gov.au/
TAS – www.transport.tas.gov.au/projectsplanning/road_closures_and_delays
VIC – https://traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au/
NHVR applications
The NHVR says if flooding or flood recovery operations have interfered with your ability to lodge access or accreditation applications please get in contact with us on 13 NHVR (13 64 87) or info@nhvr.gov.au so it can provide appropriate support and guidance.
Heavy vehicle access in an emergency
In an emergency the NHVR says it may issue a permit or verbal approval for heavy vehicle road access. For more detailed information you can visit the Emergency Access page.
Safety checks
Post flooding safety check (PDF, 178KB) – Identifies potential vehicle impacts of driving in adverse conditions and highlights the importance of adjusting your maintenance system to match.
Understand emergency fatigue provisions – what you can and can’t do
The NHVR says an emergency services work and rest hour exemption may apply if working with or under the direction of emergency services. This includes transporting relief supplies or working to restore essential utilities and services.
For this exemption to apply, written or verbal direction must be received from emergency service personnel.
While the direction may exempt you from complying with work and rest limits and maintaining work diaries, they do not exempt an operator or a driver from managing fatigue.
The NHVR says drivers should keep a record of any instruction given by emergency services.
Drivers should stop work and rest immediately if they are feeling fatigued at any time while operating a heavy vehicle.