Transport operators hauling in and out of the nation’s ports can expect to see police and NHVR officers on patrol in August.
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator has announced it will be conducting Operation Quay for four weeks with NHVR Safety and Compliance Officers to work alongside police to conduct roadside inspections.
The NHVR says the aim of the operation is to boost safety and check compliance with load restraint, vehicle roadworthiness and fatigue laws.
NHVR chief operation officer Paul Salvati says it’s crucial every container is properly restrained, secured using compliant equipment, and checked before every journey.
“Heavy vehicles transporting freight in shipping containers are more likely to be involved in safety incidents in comparison to vehicles carrying general freight, with unique challenges associated with containerised cargo such as load instability and the potential for rollover,” Salvati says.
He says the operation will include Port Botany in New South Wales, the Port of Brisbane in Queensland, the Port of Melbourne in Victoria, the Port of Adelaide in South Australia and the Port of Bell Bay in Tasmania.
“Ports are among the busiest transport environments across the country, so it’s imperative heavy vehicles are operating with heightened caution and are adhering to all safety requirements – even travelling at low speed around a corner can cause an unsecured cargo to move dangerously,” Salvati says.
“Incorrectly positioned loads can impact a heavy vehicle’s stability, steering and brake performance – and if a driver is unable to brake or steer effectively, lives are at risk.
“Furthermore, if the cargo inside the shipping containers is incorrectly packed, poorly restrained or not balanced across the container, the vehicle can become unstable, and the risk of a rollover increases.”
Queensland Police Inspector Gareth Bosley says his officers will be conducting a range of compliance checks during Operation Quay to help keep all road users safe.
“During Operation Quay, our officers will be checking for fatigue compliance, mechanical condition, and the secure restraint of loads, as well as targeting any dangerous behaviour on our roads, including drug or drink driving,” Bosley says.
“Ports are high-pressure environments with constant freight movement, and that comes with increased risk. By working alongside the NHVR during Operation Quay, Queensland Police are making sure heavy vehicle operators, owners and everyone in the supply chain are putting safety first.”
The NHVR has also reminded consignors and consignees, transport operators, packers and loaders and container terminal operators, that the Chain of Responsibility means everyone involved in the journey is accountable for safety and has a duty to ensure freight is packed, restrained and loaded safely.
The NHVR’s information around shipping container transporting can be found here.
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