Latest news

A revamped PBS scheme that focuses on flexibility and continued innovation should be a central part of reforms to the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), according to the NHVR. 

NHVR Manager Vehicle Safety and Performance Peter Austin said that a vision for a reformed PBS Scheme, PBS 2.0, was a central part of the Regulator’s response to the National Transport Commission’s (NTC) HVNL Review issues paper Vehicle Standards and Safety.

From 1 December, 2019 in Tasmania, all motorists must safely slow to 40km/h as they pass any stationary or slow moving emergency vehicle with red, blue or magenta lights flashing. 

The rule includes NHVR vehicles displaying magenta lights.

It applies to traffic travelling in either direction, unless there’s a dividing barrier between the motorist and the emergency vehicle. 

The NHVR has welcomed the rollout of a user-pay trial by the Australian Livestock Rural Transporters’ Association (ALRTA) to support safety in the unloading of livestock.

The trial, being conducted at Kilcoy Global Foods in South-East Queensland, allows heavy vehicle drivers to use the innovative Parallel Access Landing (PAL).

The NHVR is currently assessing a number of applications for approval as Electronic Work Diaries.

NHVR Executive Director Safety Standards and Assurance Geoff Casey said the current round of applications were of a varying quality after a number of earlier applications had fallen short of requirements. 

The NHVR has commenced an investigation into two Tasmanian heavy vehicle companies in relation to possible maintenance and mass breaches under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL). 

NHVR Director Investigations Steve Underwood said NHVR officers recently entered the companies’ premises in relation to alleged breaches of safety duties under the HVNL. The companies were also required to present heavy vehicles for inspection. 

An important trial to provide a significant boost to safety in the livestock industry is underway at Kilcoy Global Foods in South-East Queensland’s Somerset Region.

The NHVR is seeking Expressions of Interest from owner operators and drivers to participate in a workshop to discuss the specific issues this group faces in relation to gaining flexibility through Advanced Fatigue Management (AFM) accreditation. 

A quarter of caravan and Recreational Vehicle users have stayed overnight in truck rest areas according to research released by the Caravan Industry Association of Australia.

The research is part of a new information campaign, funded under the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative.

The NHVR has made a number of recommendations to support driver safety in response to the National Transport Commission’s issues paper Safe People and Practices, the fourth paper released as part of the review of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL). 

Join the NHVR for a session designed to assist customers in using the functionality of the NHVR Portal, including processing of permit applications.

The NHVR regularly reviews the security of its online systems, including the NHVR Portal, to ensure the safety of all users. As a result, a new password format will be required for all future passwords. 

This upgrade will be applied from Wednesday 18 September 2019.

What is changing?

A quarter of caravan and Recreational Vehicle users have stayed overnight in truck rest areas according to research released by the Caravan Industry Association of Australia today.

Assessing permits using consent parameters, rather than each individual vehicle, is the cornerstone to improving heavy vehicle access on Australian roads, according to an NHVR submission to the HVNL.

The recent Queensland Road Safety Week featured Australian Supercars star Garth Tander sending an important message to drivers that trucks need space to keep you safe. 

Garth joined Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey, and staff to launch the We Need Space campaign in Queensland.

The NHVR is calling for feedback on the different heavy vehicle loading schemes used during grain harvest across Australia. 

NHVR Executive Director Freight and Supply Chain Productivity Peter Caprioli said the Grain Harvest Management Schemes Review Issues Paper called for feedback on the creation of national standards. 

The NHVR is trialling a new process for PBS Design Approval applications submitted in the lead up to the next PBS Review Panel meeting on 29 and 30 October.

The new process is in response to industry feedback will include the following steps:

The NHVR is calling for feedback on the different heavy vehicle loading schemes used during grain harvest across Australia.

NHVR Executive Director Freight and Supply Chain Productivity Peter Caprioli said the Grain Harvest Management Schemes Review Issues Paper called for feedback on the creation of national standards.

“There are currently a range of schemes operating nationally with allowances for mass and operational conditions that vary significantly in each state,” Mr Caprioli said.

New heavy vehicle laws should allow operators with good fatigue safety systems more flexibility to manage fatigue risks, according to NHVR’s submission to the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) review.

Companies are being reminded to take loading safety seriously following a judgement by the South Australian Magistrates Court.