Forum to improve safety of heavy vehicles

The NHVR (National Heavy Vehicle Regulator) will establish a high-level technical forum to deliver safety outcomes for Australia’s heavy vehicle industry.

CEO Sal Petroccitto told Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia’s meeting in Perth that the new group would deliver on key items outlined in the Regulator’s ‘Setting the Agenda’ released this month.

“Technology plays a vital role in vehicle safety and advances in safety systems need to be managed at the operational as well as regulatory level,” Petroccitto said.

“This group will assist the NHVR accelerate deployment of safety technologies and systems quickly and effectively.

“We are positioning ourselves to be at the forefront of providing technical guidance to industry.”

Petroccitto said the group would directly assist the NHVR deliver the strategies outlined in the five-year Setting the Agenda — Strategy for a Safer, Productive and more Compliant Heavy Vehicle Industry. The group would consist of technical experts from across the heavy vehicle industry.

“We will be working with industry to develop partnerships that will achieve a number of joint safety initiatives,” he said.

“This includes an increase in industry capability through the delivery of consistent and quality safety management systems, performance standards and effective risk management processes.

“The strategies also seek to engage with manufacturers to support and encourage voluntary uptake of safety technology before a potential regulatory response.

“We’ll be forming the Technical Working Group soon with significant input from associations like HVIA, Australian Trucking Association and other subject matter experts,” he said.

For more information on the NHVR’s Setting the Agenda, visit www.nhvr.gov.au/about-us/what-we-do/strategic-directions.