The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has launched the National Roadworthiness Survey (NRS), to drive safety and efficiency improvements to the mechanical condition of Australia's heavy vehicle fleet.
NHVR Chief Operations Officer Paul Salvati said NRS 2024 will commence in July and run for approximately 12 weeks across all states and territories.
"Through a series of detailed inspections, the NHVR will provide a health check on the mechanical condition of the national fleet, collecting several million data points and providing essential information to support key safety initiatives and compliance activities," Mr Salvati said.
"NHVR Safety and Compliance Officers, alongside police and authorised officers, will undertake random visual and mechanical inspections of around 8,500 trucks, buses, and other Special Purpose Vehicles to identify existing and emerging risk trends, with the aim of enhancing road safety across the heavy vehicle industry.
"Through initiatives like the NRS, the NHVR is able to drive a safer industry, and we look forward to working closely with drivers and operators during this time.
"By working together, we can collectively uphold the highest safety standards and ensure the wellbeing of all road users."
The results of this year's survey will be compared to the 2016 National Roadworthiness Baseline Survey, and subsequent NRS conducted in 2021, to determine where both the NHVR and industry are making improvements in vehicle safety, and the areas that need more focus.
"Results from NRS 2021 showed the rate of non-conformities had dropped significantly in comparison to 2016, and we are hoping this downward trend continues," Mr Salvati said.
"The results of NRS 2024 will help inform the NHVR's modern approach to regulation, that uses data and intelligence to address the greatest safety risks on our roads and keep our heavy vehicle industry productive and efficient."
NHVR Operations Manager Tamie Haley said the NHVR recognises the survey may cause disruption for drivers and operators whose vehicles are stopped and inspected, and understands the importance of keeping the supply chain moving.
"Inspections can average around 45 minutes depending on the vehicle type and if there are defects identified, so it's important for drivers to factor adequate time into their schedule to accommodate for this," Ms Haley explained.
"We understand industry works to tight schedules and where possible, all NHVR officers will ensure minimal disruption occurs - we will carry out these inspections effectively and efficiently.
"I encourage industry to prepare for the NRS by reading the NHVR Daily Safety Checklist - by taking a few minutes before each trip to check basic safety items on your vehicle, you can identify any issues and ensure the vehicle is safe and ready for the journey."
