The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has today revealed the findings of the 2024 National Roadworthiness Survey (NRS), which ran for 12 weeks across all Australian states and territories, revealing critical insights into the nation's heavy vehicle industry.
During the 2024 NRS, there were 9,082 vehicles and combinations inspected nationally, making it the largest in-depth health check ever conducted.
NHVR Chief Operating Officer Paul Salvati said that this meant NHVR Safety and Compliance Officers (SCOs) inspected on average 103 heavy vehicles each day.
"The 2024 NRS was a monumental undertaking, and the important effort of our officers conducting these inspections has provided us with the most comprehensive data ever gathered on the mechanical health of heavy vehicles across the nation," Mr Salvati said.
Nationally, 75% of units passed inspection, which was the same percentage as the 2021 survey, continuing the strong improvement over the 2016 benchmark survey of 55%.
"Unfortunately, the number of units having multiple defects was slightly higher in comparison to the previous survey, up to 33% in 2024 from 31% in 2021," Mr Salvati explained.
"However, the non-compliance percentage remains well below the 2016 levels which is pleasing to see."
The most common defect across both metro and regional areas in Australia were brakes, with engine driveline and exhaust, steering and suspension among the top five.
"The NHVR is still concerned that defects in brakes remains a top issue, and I would like to take this opportunity to remind operators and drivers of their responsibility to ensure their vehicles are properly maintained and daily vehicle checks are conducted," Mr Salvati said.
"The sheer scale of the 2024 NRS has allowed us to see where the NHVR and industry are making improvements in safety and where more attention is needed to focus our regulatory efforts and future safety initiatives,"
"We know that these inspections did result in a longer than normal intercept time, and I wanted to thank industry and drivers in particular for their patience and support while we undertook these crucial checks at the roadside,"
"I know the impacts of this survey will enact positive results on the efficiency and productivity of the heavy vehicle industry, including safer roads for all road users." concluded Mr Salvati.
The 2024 NRS is the third iteration of the survey, with the first one conducted in 2016 and the second in 2021.
