The NHVR has again issued its annual winter warning to truck operators by issuing an urgent reminder to to ensure heavy vehicles are roadworthy, following an alarming number of vehicles which the Regulator alleges were found to be defective during a similar crackdown last year.
NHVR chief operations officer Paul Salvati said the NSW snowy region was of particular concern, after it allegedly issued 965 defect notices in the state’s Alpine area in 2024.
“Concerningly, safety and compliance officers found 60 major defects related to brakes or wheels and tyres maintenance last year,” said Salvati.
“This poses a serious safety risk requiring immediate rectification, particularly during winter when drivers face more difficult road conditions.
“Allowing a heavy vehicle on the road with a major defect puts both the driver and other road users in significant danger.”
The NHVR said it recently released its 2024National Roadworthiness Survey (NRS) report, following what it describes as the largest ever health check of Australia’s heavy vehicle fleet.
Alarmingly, the NHVR says the report showed around 33 per cent of trucks surveyed had multiple defects, which was an increase from the previous 2021 survey.
Salvati said the start of the snow season is a timely reminder for industry, with more motorists and ultimately more lives on the road.
“Heavy vehicle drivers will now share the roads with many more light vehicle drivers, particularly along the Monaro and Hume Highways, as people head to their snow and ski destinations,” said Salvati.
“Last winter, the Monaro Highway at Cooma and the Hume Highway at Yass saw more than 16,600 heavy vehicles and more than 32,000 light vehicles pass through.
“Tragically, in 2023 there were seven crashes involving heavy vehicles in the snow region, one of which was fatal.
“In 2024, it was pleasing to see this figure halve, with zero fatalities from accidents involving heavy vehicles.
“I’d like to thank industry on this great outcome and remind drivers that it’s one we can make happen again by ensuring heavy vehicles are fit for the roads.”
More than 80cm of snowfall hit popular ski resorts like Perisher over the Kings Birthday Long weekend opening to the Ski season, with temperatures dipping to minus 4 deg.
Salvati said conditions such as these can rapidly change and will impact how heavy vehicles operate and manoeuvre.
“These weather events can make brakes, wheel bearings or tyres wear faster than usual, so it’s imperative to conduct daily checks, as well as regular maintenance, to ensure they’re roadworthy,”
“These inspections should be completed prior to a truck commencing its journey, and failing to do so could very well change the outcome of your life and other road users.”
An example of a daily checklist can be viewed on the NHVR website here.
