Latest news

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.

Changes for Special Purpose Vehicles in New South Wales and Tasmania will see access simplified and expanded. 

The NHVR has released An Introduction to Advanced Fatigue Management (AFM) booklet during the recent second Fatigue Safety Forum.

NHVR Fatigue Specialist Andreas Blahous said the new booklet would provide simple information for operators seeking access to more flexible work and rest hours. 

The NHVR was recently out talking to drivers in the ACT and we heard plenty of feedback about local rest areas.

Now’s the chance to have your say! NatRoad and Transport Canberra and City Services are looking for feedback from operators on the requirement, location and type of facilities for future ACT rest stops.

The Northern Territory Government has adopted two changes to heavy vehicle registration with effect from 1 August to align the Northern Territory with other jurisdictions across Australia.

The NHVR has released An Introduction to Advanced Fatigue Management (AFM) booklet, at today’s second Fatigue Safety Forum.

NHVR Fatigue Specialist Andreas Blahous said the new booklet would provide simple information for operators seeking access to more flexible work and rest hours.

“AFM can be a powerful tool that allows businesses to unlock flexibility in their operations while reducing complexity and improving safety,” Mr Blahous said.

Truck driving is a dangerous job, but also rewarding for many of our professional drivers.

We often talk about the physical risks and demands of the industry – the risk of accidents, long and irregular hours, disrupted sleep patterns for example.

But what isn’t talked about nearly as frequently is how tough life on the road can be on mental health and wellbeing.

Heavy vehicle safety gets $5.4 million boost

More than $700,000 of heavy vehicle safety funding has been allocated to supporting truck driver mental health initiatives through the 2019-20 Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative.

New crane notices to simplify access on NSW roads

Two new notices for crane operations in NSW will make access simpler and more efficient, significantly reducing the need for permits. 

Pre-advised PBS combinations extended

The NHVR has expanded the PBS pre-advised design approvals to include PBS combinations carrying dangerous goods.

Vehicle Safety and Performance Manager Peter Austin said the pre-advised process was improving processing times for applicable vehicles.