Regulator says health of Australia’s heavy vehicle fleet becoming clearer
National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR’s) roadworthiness survey inspections are due to commence in Western Australia and the Northern Territory soon.
With inspections completed in NSW, Victoria and Tasmania, the National Roadworthiness Baseline Survey (NRBS) is making its final run to the finish line.
Speaking at the Australasian Road Safety Conference today, NHVR executive director for productivity and safety Geoff Casey says the results of the survey are important not only for the regulator but for operators as well.
“Industry support has been positive, with many operators proactively engaging inspectors to examine their fleet at depots across the country,” Casey says.
“The fact that operators are asking to be inspected and surveyed highlights the collaborative work of the NHVR, states, territories and industry.”
The survey, which started in August, is Australia’s first national heavy vehicle fleet assessment under NHVR’s National Heavy Vehicle Inspection Manual.
KS Easters MD Ken Easter says the survey will offer much-need data to the industry to improve its understanding of the fleet’s overall condition to make better safety judgements in the future.
“If we know that our drivers and our fleet are operating at a high safety standard, we are a more productive business,” Easter says.
The survey is expected to sample up to 9000 heavy vehicles in total, including rigid, articulated, B-doubles, road trains, buses and plant equipment.