The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has revealed the findings of its 2024 National Roadworthiness Survey (NRS), which is the regulator’s largest-ever health check on Australia’s heavy vehicle fleet to date.
In the third iteration of the NRS, the 12 week survey across all Australian states and territories saw 9,082 vehicles and combinations inspected.
With an average of 103 heavy vehicles inspected each day as part of the 2024 NRS, the roadworthiness levels of Australia’s heavy vehicle fleet remained consistent with the 2021 survey.
Nationally, 75 per cent of units passed inspection, which was the same percentage as the 2021 survey. It also means the industry has continued its strong improvement over the 2016 benchmark survey that saw 55 per cent of vehicles pass inspection.
Despite this positive number, NHVR chief operating officer Paul Salvati notes the findings highlight an increase in vehicles having multiple defects.
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“The 2024 NRS was a monumental undertaking, and the important effort of our officers conducting these inspections has provided us with the most comprehensive data ever gathered on the mechanical health of heavy vehicles across the nation,” Salvati says.
“Unfortunately, the number of units having multiple defects was slightly higher in comparison to the previous survey, up to 33 per cent in 2024 from 31 per cent in 2021.
“However, the non-compliance percentage remains well below the 2016 levels which is pleasing to see.”
The most common defect across both metro and regional areas in Australia were brakes, with engine driveline and exhaust, steering and suspension among the top five.
“The NHVR is still concerned that defects in brakes remains a top issue, and I would like to take this opportunity to remind operators and drivers of their responsibility to ensure their vehicles are properly maintained and daily vehicle checks are conducted,” Salvati says.
“The sheer scale of the 2024 NRS has allowed us to see where the NHVR and industry are making improvements in safety and where more attention is needed to focus our regulatory efforts and future safety initiatives.
“We know that these inspections did result in a longer than normal intercept time, and I wanted to thank industry and drivers in particular for their patience and support while we undertook these crucial checks at the roadside.”
The 2024 NRS is the third iteration of the survey and can be viewed on the NHVR’s website here alongside the 2016 and 2021 editions.
“I know the impacts of this survey will enact positive results on the efficiency and productivity of the heavy vehicle industry, including safer roads for all road users,” Salvati says.
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