The National Heavy Vehicle Register is planning to fast-track safety tools, and, an education campaign to help heavy vehicle operators implement Safety Management Systems.
CEO of the National Heavy Vehicle Register Sal Petroccitto has stated that the push to provide operators with practical tools and guidance to implement safety management systems was in response to a spate of heavy vehicle crashes in recent days.
The National Heavy Vehicle Register has been urging heavy vehicle drivers to take care following recent tragic accidents in the past few days at Grafton, Dubbo and near Lake Macquarie.
Mr Petroccitto said * I am urging all road users and in particular heavy vehicle operators across Australia to take extra care on the road as the school holiday season comes to an end. *
The National Heavy Vehicle Register will be releasing a range of support and guidance tools in the coming months to assist heavy vehicle operators improve safety AND to help them meet the new *Chain of Responsibility Laws* which are set to be introduced in the middle of 2018.
Sadly, there were 216 fatalities nationally that involved heavy vehicles for the year to the end of September 2017, compared to the smaller 224 deaths in the same period the year before.
*Our thoughts are with the five drivers who won’t return home to their families as a result of these tragic accidents* Mr Petroccitto added.
The new laws are set to ensure the entire heavy vehicle supply chain takes responsibility for heavy vehicle safety. There have already been a number of heavy vehicle fatalities across Australia, and while the number has declined recently, it is still too high. It is hoped that the decline will continue. Heavy vehicle operators are also responsible for making sure that their vehicle is both roadworthy and safe to be traveling on the road network.
There are a few simple things operators can do including a regular safety checklist for mass, loading, maintenance and the trucks fitness for duty – including fatigue. Something as quick and as simple as a daily check can ensure the safety of both other road users and the drivers. This will give operators the confidence that both their vehicle and driver are both in *good working order*
What is the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator?
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator administers the set of laws for heavy vehicles under the Heavy Vehicle National Law to deliver a comprehensive range of services under a consistent regulatory framework.
Commencing in 2014 the national law applies to the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania, Queensland and Victoria.
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator is responsible for:
- Heavy Vehicle access permit applications
- A national driver work diary and risk classification system for advanced fatigue management
- The National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation scheme management and accreditations
- Heavy Vehicle standards, modifications and exemption permits
- Performance- based standards scheme vehicle design and access approvals
- One set of national penalties
- One set of national notices
- One set of national fees for The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator services.
The National Heavy Vehicle Register is Australia’s independent regulator for all vehicles over 4.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass.
The goals of the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator for the road transport industry include:
- SAFTEY – a national safety monitoring and reporting system dedicated wholly to heavy vehicles
- SERVICES – providing a single point of contact for all heavy vehicle regulation in Australia
- EFFICIENCY – providing a common set of laws for heavy vehicles for ALL states and territories
- COMPLIANCE AND REINFORCEMENT – a unified strategy and approach
- PRODUCTIVITY – the ability to provide quick responses to the changing industry needs and trends
- TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY – review for key making decisions
- INDEPENDENCE – one independent, statutory body corporate established under the Heavy Vehicle National Law
