The federal government and National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) have unveiled the latest round of heavy vehicle safety projects to receive crucial funding.
Round 10 of the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI) has been confirmed, with 12 crucial industry-led projects to enjoy $4.2 million of funding.
To date, the Australian government has invested more than $45 million across 181 HVSI projects since the program started in 2016, delivering safety improvements across Australia’s heavy vehicle industry and protecting all road users.
With demand increases and unique challenges, the federal government says the new HVSI projects will deliver tangible safety improvements for the transport and logistics sector by developing crucial educational campaigns and innovative technologies.
The “Hold on Heavy” project is just one of those being funded this round, which will develop scalable AI technology to dynamically adjust traffic signals for approaching heavy vehicles to extend red or green phases and reduce the risk of intersection incidents.
“The Albanese government is firmly committed to working alongside the NHVR and the heavy vehicle industry to ensure our roads remain safe for everyone,” federal assistant regional development minister senator Anthony Chisholm says.
“By investing in innovative projects that will deliver substantial road safety benefits, we’re furthering our commitment to reduce harm on Australian roads – for truckies and all users.
“We know the HVSI program has delivered successful and lasting results across the country over the last nine years, and the impacts have been transformative for this crucial industry.
MORE OWNERDRIVER TRENDING STORIES:
- $6 million national transport fleet to be auctioned after recent administration
- TOTM: Gavin Turner’s birthday bulldog
- Inside magnificent Casino’s 2025 triumph
- Elphinstone founder reaches the Wall of Fame
- QMR welcomes statement DAF
“The government is proud to continue supporting initiatives that increase safety awareness, education and compliance across the transport and logistics sector.”
The following funding recipients are as follows:
- ARTSA-I for the testing of rigid dollys on roadtrains
- ALRTA for its interactive livestock loading calculator
- BusNSW for preventing bus rollaways
- CSIRO for AI-based fatigue monitoring systems
- LBRCA for its HVRAP 3.0 in livestock transport
- Motum Simulation for its Motum World simulated bus driver training program
- National Bulk Tanker Association for its compliance co-pilot integrated applications for ensuring safe trailer connections and EBS compliance
- Opposite for its DRIVE S(AI)FE program increasing industry readiness and humanising AI for fatigue prevention
- SAGE Automation for Hold on Heavy
- Swinburne University of Technology for Heads Up Safe Route overhead and at-height hazard technology
- Tiger Spider for safe electric trailers and converter dollies technology
- WHG Telematics for its FLEETPREDICT wearable fatigue technology
“In 2024–25, sadly we saw 190 lives lost in crashes involving heavy vehicles,” NHVR CEO Nicole Rosie says.
“Reducing fatalities and serious injuries from heavy vehicle incidents is the number one priority for the NHVR and there is still plenty to be done.
“Through this program, we can continue to engage with safety-focused groups to improve on these numbers and make Australia’s roads safer for everyone.”
Subscribe to the weekly Owner//Driver newsletter here.