The NHVR has announced it will be conducting Operation Quay this month to ensure heavy vehicles travelling in and around port facilities are safe and compliant.
The NHVR says that Operation Quay will run over four weeks and will see its safety and compliance officers (SCOs) work alongside police, conducting roadside inspections to boost safety and check compliance with load restraint, vehicle roadworthiness and fatigue laws.
NHVR COO, Paul Salvati said with heavy vehicles undertaking a transport task around port facilities normally moving large shipping containers, it’s crucial that every container is properly restrained, secured using compliant equipment, and checked before every journey.
“Heavy vehicles transporting freight in shipping containers are more likely to be involved in safety incidents in comparison to vehicles carrying general freight, with unique challenges associated with containerised cargo such as load instability and the potential for rollover,” said Salvati.
“Tragically, there has been 60 lives lost in crashes involving a heavy vehicle this year, and the last thing we want to see is further road trauma occur on Australian roads.
“That’s why NHVR SCOs will work with industry around ports across the country throughout Operation Quay, to ensure they are complying with their safety obligations under the Heavy Vehicle National Law.
“This includes Port Botany in New South Wales, the Port of Brisbane in Queensland, the Port of Melbourne in Victoria, the Port of Adelaide in South Australia and the Port of Bell Bay in Tasmania.”
Salvati said with the rising movement of goods through the nation’s ports, heavy vehicle traffic in and around the freight terminals is only increasing.
“Ports are among the busiest transport environments across the country, so it’s imperative heavy vehicles are operating with heightened caution and are adhering to all safety requirements – even travelling at low speed around a corner can cause an unsecured cargo to move dangerously,” he stressed.
“Incorrectly positioned loads can impact a heavy vehicle’s stability, steering and brake performance – and if a driver is unable to brake or steer effectively, lives are at risk.
“Furthermore, if the cargo inside the shipping containers is incorrectly packed, poorly restrained or not balanced across the container, the vehicle can become unstable, and the risk of a rollover increases.”
Salvati said it’s also critical that drivers comply with fatigue requirements and are well rested, alert and fit to be behind the wheel.
“While we understand drivers often face time pressures and demanding schedules, safety should always be the top priority – no load, no matter how important, is worth the risk.”
Inspector Gareth Bosley of Queensland Police Service’s road policing and regional support command said officers will be conducting a range of compliance checks during Operation Quay to help keep all road users safe.
“Queensland Police are committed to ensuring heavy vehicles operating in and around the Port of Brisbane meet all safety obligations.
“During Operation Quay, our officers will be checking for fatigue compliance, mechanical condition, and the secure restraint of loads, as well as targeting any dangerous behaviour on our roads, including drug or drink driving.”
Inspector Bosley said the freight environment around the Port of Brisbane presents unique risks, which makes proactive enforcement and engagement critical.
“Ports are high-pressure environments with constant freight movement, and that comes with increased risk. By working alongside the NHVR during Operation Quay, Queensland Police are making sure heavy vehicle operators, owners and everyone in the supply chain are putting safety first.”
The NHVR is also reminding consignors and consignees, transport operators, packers and loaders and container terminal operators, that the Chain of Responsibility means everyone involved in the journey is accountable for safety and has a duty to ensure freight is packed, restrained and loaded safely
