The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) will kick off a targeted compliance operation across Tasmania today.
The project, dubbed ‘Operation Amplify’, will ensure heavy vehicles are roadworthy and drivers are meeting work and rest requirements on some of the state’s busiest freight and construction routes.
It will see NHVR Safety and Compliance Officers (SCOs) undertake roadside inspections in high activity areas including Hobart, Launceston and Burnie following recent compliance operations which identified safety risks within the building and construction industry.
NHVR Acting Executive Director On-Road Operations, Steve Miller, said previous operations across Tasmania had revealed high rates of non-compliance.
“Almost 30 per cent of heavy vehicles intercepted during similar operations were found to be non-compliant, with mechanical issues identified as the highest area of non-compliance,” he said
“Load restraint was another area of significant concern, particularly unsecured tools and construction materials.
“Any type of unsecured load can impact a heavy vehicle’s stability, steering and brake performance, placing drivers and other road users at serious risk.”
According to Miller, SCOs will also be checking work diaries to ensure drivers are complying with their work and rest requirements.
“Fatigue remains one of the most significant contributors to serious incidents,” he said.
“Our officers will be paying close attention to fatigue management, because no-one should be behind the wheel if they’re not fit to drive, and no load is worth your life.
“If a heavy vehicle driver feels pressured to operate while fatigued, they can contact the Heavy Vehicle Confidential Reporting Line which is available Monday to Friday, 7am-4:30pm AEST.”
Operation Amplify will also help the NHVR determine whether compliance levels within the building and construction sector have improved.
In other news, Lindsay Australia has announced the opening of a new purpose-built facility in Hazelmere, Western Australia.
.png){kind=small}
