The NHVR has announced it is launching a multi-state operation across South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales that will focus on heavy vehicles involved in transporting grapes, after previous operations revealed almost 40 per cent of vehicles intercepted were non-compliant.
To show it has a sense of humour and possibly of irony, the NHVR has code named the campaign as ‘Operation Fortified’
Operation Fortified will have NHVR safety and compliance officers undertake roadside intercepts, primarily focused on spillages, permit and fatigue offences over the next few weeks.
NHVR director of operations for Southern region, Paul Simionato said Fortifiedcomes at a crucial time, with significant spills already detected on several roads and intersections.
“Overfilled and poorly loaded grape trailers can cause spills on road surfaces, resulting in slippery conditions leading to a loss of traction, and this is dangerous for all road users, not just heavy vehicles.” Simionato said.
“Almost 1.6 million tonnes of grapes were crushed in Australia last year, which is a monumental amount and indicative of the size of the industry,” he said.
“Officers will also be paying close attention to grape loading, as any type of unsecured load can impact a heavy vehicle’s stability, steering and brake performance – not securing loads are simply not worth the risk,” Simionato added.
The NHVR’s director of operations for the central region, Brett Patterson said fatigue and permit offences would also be areas of focus.
“Previous operations have revealed that non-compliance rates are increasing during grape harvesting, up from 31 percent in 2024 to almost 40 percent in 2025, which is of concern” Patterson said.
“Fatigue offences have also increased which is alarming, because fatigue remains one of the most significant contributors to serious incidents and we would remind all drivers and operators to remain vigilant when it comes to adhering to work and rest requirements,” he said.
“Drivers should expect to have their work diaries inspected, as well as vehicle permits to ensure they’re valid.
“No-one should feel unsafe while at work and heavy vehicle drivers who feel pressured by their employer to drive while fatigued can call the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Confidential Reporting Line on 1800 931 785.”
Further guidance and advice and fatigue management can be found on the NHVR website here.
Heavy vehicle operators can seek guidance on identifying hazards and risks associated with the wine industry in the Wine Industry Code of Practice.
