Feedback for heavy vehicle roadworthiness

The NTC and the NHVR are calling for submissions on ways to improve heavy vehicle roadworthiness in Australia

Following the completion of the second stage of the National Heavy Vehicle Roadworthiness Program, the National Transport Commission (NTC) and National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) are seeking stakeholder feedback on ways the nation's current heavy vehicle roadworthiness systems can be improved.

The two bodies have jointly released a report titled Phase 2 – Integrity Review of the National Heavy Vehicle Roadworthiness System, which builds on the Phase 1 review of the current heavy vehicle roadworthiness system and invites comment on strategies that can be implemented to raise the overall level of heavy vehicle roadworthiness and therefore increase safety on Australian roads.

Mr Paul Retter, CEO of the NTC, said the bodies were halfway through their roadworthiness review.

"We've now completed the second step in the four-stage process of this program," he said.

"The NTC and NHVR have identified areas for short-term and long-term potential reforms. We're now calling for submissions from industry and the community on the best way to improve heavy vehicle roadworthiness and make our nation's roads safer."

The CEO of the NHVR, Sal Petroccitto, said the latest report brings into focus the state of heavy vehicle roadworthiness as it currently stands.

"These two reports together present a complete picture of the current national system for roadworthiness, as well as identifying opportunities to improve it," he said.

"Release of these reports is a springboard to the next and possibly most critical stage of the Roadworthiness Program, where we consult with industry and start to shape recommendations based on industry feedback."

The latest report identifies a total of 39 'opportunities' to improve heavy vehicle roadworthiness. Feedback is being sought until Friday, September 26, 2014.

Phase 3 of the program will see this feedback collated and distilled into a draft regulatory impact statement to be presented to transport ministers in November.

The NTC and the NHVR say they will now be liaising with industry and government stakeholders to discuss a range of issues outlined in the latest report, including: achieving a clear definition of roadworthiness; developing better education and training; examining ways in which the current 'chain of responsibility' legislation could be altered to improve roadworthiness; developing a standardised 'second party' inspection system; refining the defect notice system; and developing more robust accreditation and safety management systems with a view to enhancing the current NHVAS audit system.

Mr Petroccitto has urged anyone with a vested interest in heavy vehicle roadworthiness to offer their thoughts.

"I encourage anyone interested in better safety outcomes for the heavy vehicle industry to take the time to read the reports and get involved," he said.

"Road safety professionals and transport company fleet managers should particularly study the concepts of 'defence in depth' which are presented in this paper as a model for assessing the integrity of the current national roadworthiness system."

Click here to view the latest report.

Feedback for heavy vehicle roadworthiness

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