ATA: defect inconsistencies must be addressed
The Australian Trucking Association has called for the review of the HVNL to eliminate inconsistencies in inspection policies and the issuing of defect noticesThe ATA has made a submission to the review of the Heavy Vehicle National Law calling on authorities to finally address the inconsistencies in heavy vehicle inspection practices and the resulting issuing of defect notices.
ATA Chair, Geoff Crouch, said major reform was needed to ensure operators and drivers could expect a uniform approach to heavy vehicle standards and safety, wherever the HVNL was in effect.
"Defect notices are inconsistent, poorly structured and don't always link to a significant safety issue," Mr Crouch said.
Mr Crouch said the ATA had called for defect notices and inspection policies to be fixed in 2014, with the need for action having only grown stronger since then.
"The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator and road agencies have ample powers backed by substantial penalties to prosecute through the court system if it is necessary," Mr Crouch said.
Significant reforms needed
The ATA submission calls for significant reform, and says the new national truck laws should:
• Deliver enforceable standards that set out a consistent approach to defect notices and how they can be cleared
• Take a risk-based approach that allows minor defects to be addressed by formal warnings, on-the-spot repairs and self-clearing processes
• Provide a review mechanism for defect notices issued in error or that are inconsistent with National Heavy Vehicle Regulator's inspection and roadworthiness manuals, and
• Deliver consistent and proportionate roadworthiness inspections.
"We're also calling for the new laws to recognise the NHVR's role as a national standard setting body and require it to comply with best practice regulation and consultation requirements," Mr Crouch said.
"The laws must also adopt a risk-based approach to heavy vehicle modifications and include third-party maintenance providers as parties in the chain of responsibility," he said.
Click here to view the ATA's submission.
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