Financial boost to heavy vehicle safety

Big funding hike to those who develop safety systems

In a joint media statement from Darren Chester, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport (pictured) and Sal Petroccitto, CEO of the NHVR, it was announced that the Federal Government is supporting the NHVR by providing a funding boost for heavy vehicle industry bodies or individuals who develop safety systems based on new Industry Codes of Practice Guidelines.

Darren Chester said $350,000 would assist the heavy vehicle industry to develop and register its new Codes of Practice, based on Guidelines released by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) last week.

"A registered Industry Code of Practice establishes standards for organisations across the heavy vehicle supply chain on how to operate at a higher safety standard. Businesses that adopt a new Code not only significantly reduce the risk of breaching the Heavy Vehicle National Law, but also improve their safety standards," Mr Chester said.

"This is another important step in the NHVR’s Safety Strategy, which includes new Chain of Responsibility Laws, a national roadworthiness program, National Heavy Vehicle Inspection Manual and checklists."

The six existing industry codes, which vary between industry sectors and states, will continue to be used until January 2018 or until replaced by a new code. Sal Petroccitto said the new Guidelines were finalised following extensive collaboration with industry.

"The support from the Federal Government will allow industry bodies and code developers to offset some of the costs associated with delivering new Codes," Mr Petroccitto said.

Australian Logistics Council Managing Director, Michael Kilgariff welcomed the funding for industry bodies that will require assistance in funding their Codes of Practice.

"Codes of Practice will provide a safer and more accountable heavy vehicle industry and we look forward to their development and implementation," Mr Kilgariff said.

The grants are available to cover cost of development and registration of an Industry Codes of Practice. For more information on the Codes of Practice click here.

Financial boost to heavy vehicle safety

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