NHVR hopes new initiative will nab truck operators and drivers with a pattern of non-compliance.
A new system aimed at allowing jurisdictions to share heavy vehicle enforcement data across borders and target high-risk operators and drivers is currently being tested in the nation’s capital.
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is in the midst of testing its national compliance information system (NCIS) and has co-opted the ACT Road Transport Authority (RTA) to progress the initiative.
NHVR regulatory compliance executive director Tony Kursius says the ACT demonstration is part of a series of national trials the NHVR is leading to showcase the benefits of real-time, agency-linked, data collection and monitoring software used at the roadside.
“The current demonstration in the ACT is designed to test the feasibility of an inter-agency compliance information system and how effectively compliance information can be shared across borders,” Kursius says.
“This trial is part of the NHVR’s overall national compliance program, which could include development of a national compliance information system.
“Such a system would support a more nationally consistent and efficient heavy vehicle inspection process and could help to ensure heavy vehicle operators and drivers experience the same outcome in the same circumstances, no matter which state or territory they’re in.”
The trial uses Truckscan software that is part of the Safe-T-Cam system in New South Wales and South Australia.
It has key features the NHVR would look to incorporate into a new, purpose-built NCIS.
“The demonstration system fast-tracks identification of high-risk operators who reveal a pattern of non-compliance, by capturing real-time data and sharing it across road transport authorities,” Kursius says.
“However, details of a driver and vehicle already intercepted and cleared in NSW would be available immediately to ACT officers at the roadside.
“If they pull the vehicle over, it can be quickly identified as compliant and the driver can get on his way.”
The NHVR has partnered with NSW Roads and Maritime Services to trial the model system for the ACT using on-road enforcement vehicles fitted with demonstration data collection and monitoring software.
“Ultimately, a national compliance information system ensures that compliance and enforcement efforts are targeted and allows operators who are doing the right thing to get on with the job,” Kursius says.
The trial allows the ACT to play its part in a national safety effort, according to territory and municipal services minister Shane Rattenbury.
“The ACT road network provides a link for heavy vehicle movements across borders and along the east coast of Australia,” Rattenbury says.
“It is vital that we play our part in ensuring that heavy vehicles and their drivers meet the required safety standards, as well as boosting overall safety for ACT road users.
“A national approach to safety regulation requires systems that talk to each other, giving enforcement officers the tools and information they need to be effective across jurisdictions.”