Push for safer loads on regional roads

Deputy Prime Minister, Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Michael McCormack said he welcomed the project initiated by Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils and funded under the Federal Government’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative.

“This is an important project following several local incidents and an increase in the volume of heavy vehicle traffic in the region,” Mr McCormack said.

“It will help educate transport operators, along with the farms and businesses they serve, in safe load restraint.

“Heavy vehicles help connect so much of regional Australia and projects such as this will ensure that vehicles and drivers act in a safe manner at all times.

“The Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils are to be congratulated for initiating this project and I hope more Councils follow their lead in an effort to enhance the safety of their local communities and those that travel through them.”

The project received $60,500 under the HVSI program, administered by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator with the support of the Federal Government.

The Load Restraint Public Education Campaign will see new ‘how to’ load restraint videos and factsheets shared with local businesses, as well as a social media awareness campaign and a series of load restraint information sessions across the three shires.

Watch the videos:
How to restrain hay bales
How to restrain machinery
How to restrain general freight

The strength of the region’s farming, mining, forestry and construction sectors has seen a steady growth in heavy vehicle traffic, with one truck passing through the townships of Forbes, Parkes and Peak Hill every minute.

Forbes Shire Council Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM said local police had issued 72 notices for load restraint breaches in 2019.

“Safety is a high priority for the heavy vehicle industry, but there are still too many knowledge gaps when it comes to load restraint,” Ms Miller said.

“It’s important that all businesses recognise they have a part to play in heavy vehicle safety under 2018 Chain of Responsibility amendments.

“This project will aid in removing any doubts about how heavy vehicles should be loaded.”

NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative had so far allocated $22.8m through 89 separate grants over the past five years.

“Improving heavy vehicle safety and safety for all drivers is the top priority of the NHVR,” Mr Petroccitto said.

“I look forward to continuing to work with Governments and stakeholder groups to ensure that heavy vehicles and those that operate them travel safely and arrive safely.”

Or click here to take the Load Restraint Quiz and go in the draw to win $500 worth of load restraint equipment.

Access the Load Restraint Guide here.