HVIS figures point to 60 per cent failure rate as SARTA seeks clarity in coverage
In an announcement bound to sow confusion surrounding the trucking industry, the South Australian government states that 60 per cent of used trucks for sale fail safety inspections.
The figures SA transport minister Stephan Knoll has released relate to the state’s Heavy Vehicle Inspection Scheme (HVIS) for change of truck ownership, which continues to be rolled out since stage one began in 2017.
“Since 31 August 2018, 3,009 vehicles have been inspected upon change of ownership with approximately 60 per cent failing on initial inspection,” Knoll says in a statement.
“The faults include brakes (914), steering and suspension (915), structure (838) and engine driveline (701).
“These numbers are alarming but, it is important to note that a single vehicle may register multiple faults on inspection and may fail subsequent inspections multiple times before a pass is achieved.
“By contrast, recent figures from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) also show that South Australian heavy vehicles have a very high safety compliance rate. “
But the bare figures have made headlines and spurred broadcast coverage, not least in the ABC.
South Australian Road Transport Association (SARTA) executive director Steve Shearer has sought to bring some clarity and perspective to the coverage with an eye to public concern, pointing out to the ABC: “No truck or car can remain perfect from the time of manufacturing right through its working life.
“If just one wheel or one axle has a minor fault in the brake response that will result in a fail.
“The truck would still stop … quite easily because all the other brakes are working fine.
“The public certainly has no need to be alarmed.”
In explaining the discrepancy between compliance figures recorded in roadside inspection blitzes and the HVIS, the NHVR notes the focus of each is different.
“The South Australian scheme is part of the mandatory registration process and the NHVR supports any initiative that improves the safety of the heavy vehicle fleet,” NHVR spokesman Andrew Berkman tells ATN.
“The NHVR primarily conducts on-road inspections which assess compliance to a wide range of areas, including fatigue, permitting, load restraint, mass and maintenance.
“However, the results reported by the South Australian Government are consistent with the inspections conducted by the NHVR during the National Roadworthiness Baseline Survey in late 2016.
“The regulator will commence its second National Roadworthiness Survey during the first half of 2020, which will aid states in understanding the mechanical health of the fleet.”
The truck resale issue is linked to registration transfer, which is presently outside the NHVR’s remit.
Read about the National Roadworthiness Baseline Survey findings here
The Knoll statement is also an update on where the HVIS process is going.
Stage two of the HVIS requires that all vehicles with a gross vehicle mass (GVM), and trailers with an aggregated trailer mass, of greater than 4.5 tonne are inspected every two years, starting four years from the date of manufacture, and annually from 10 years, though some exemptions apply.
A procurement process is underway to engage industry to deliver stage two of the HVIS and a phased commencement is scheduled to start in the first half of 2020.
“I am pleased to advise that inspection costs will be regulated and capped at $268 per initial inspection,” Knoll says.
“Further, concerns about accessibility to inspection stations for those in rural, regional and remote parts of South Australia are central to our considerations in moving towards stage two of the HVIS.
“I can reassure the community and industry that the number of inspection stations will reflect demand and the tender documents will set maximum travel times for state wide delivery.
“Regulations to support the operation of the HVIS will be finalised once contractual negotiations with the scheme provider are complete.
“Consultation with industry and the public has occurred through industry working groups and a Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) where responses from industry and to the RIS have been largely supportive of the HVIS.
“An implementation update will be forwarded to interested parties and industry groups, including FAQs and updated information sheets over the coming days.”