Regulator lands in most states, sticking points remain
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is now in place but inconsistencies between states remain, and the industry needs more time to prepare.
The new standards for reporting, fatigue, safety and other factors have landed nationwide with a crash and a wallop, with the NHVR now responsible for regulation in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory, as well as Queensland.
Starting this week, drivers accredited by the NHVAS’s mass or maintenance module must now carry a copy of their certificate for each relevant module at all times. They must also carry document stating they are operating under the operator’s accreditation, are inducted into the operator’s management system and meet standard for drivers operating under the heavy vehicle accreditation.
Transport inspectors will reportedly issue warnings to drivers who cannot provide the accreditation from February 10 to August 9.
“From today, operators will see streamlined and practical operations and regulation for heavy vehicle access, fatigue management and vehicle inspection standards, as well as more consistent on-road compliance and enforcement outcomes – all matters that impact on the day-to-day business of heavy vehicle operators, large and small,” NHVR CEO Richard Hancock said in a statement.
Western Australia and the Northern Territory are holding out, continuing their existing regulatory systems.
The NHVR will not conduct fatigue management for Tasmania, also, the ACT has opted-out of provisions governing fatigue, the Intelligent Access Program (IAP), speeding and the NHVAS.
States and territories will govern themselves on registration, licensing, road rules, pilot and escort arrangements, and laws overseeing dangerous goods.
Despite many jurisdictions only signing up to parts of the plan, Infrastructure Minister Warren Truss expects the other will come around.
“While Western Australia and the Northern Territory are yet to implement the national law, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator will continue to work with them to address cross-border issues for heavy vehicle operators,” Mr Truss said.
Australian Trucking Association (ATA) chair David Simon has welcomed the idea, but continued calling for amendments.
“The national law will require truck drivers working for businesses accredited under the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme to carry more paperwork. This is due to a drafting error,” Mr Simon said.
“The ATA and its members have urged governments to fix the drafting error as quickly as possible. In the meantime, the NHVR has put in place a six-month transition period for enforcing the provision.”
Mr Simon says the high cost of implementing the scheme will damage the supposed productivity gains.
The trucking industry must cover $135 million of the $147.5 million NHVR budget for the 2015 financial year.
“This is almost $60 million more than the industry is currently charged, yet part of the case for setting up the NHVR was that it would reduce duplication and the industry’s costs,” he said.