THE FEDERAL Government and National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) say they are improving safety for everyone on Australia’s roads by funding 12 industry-led projects via Round 10 of the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI).
The Australian government has to date invested more than $45 million across 181 HVSI projects since the program began in 2016.
Australia’s road freight volumes are expected to grow by 77% between 2020 and 2050.
The new HVSI projects are to deliver tangible safety improvements for the transport and logistics sector by developing crucial educational campaigns and innovative technologies.
The Hold on Heavy project is one of those being funded this round, which is to develop scalable AI technology to dynamically adjust traffic signals for approaching heavy vehicles to extend red or green phases and reduce the risk of intersection incidents.
More information is available on the NHVR website.
Assistant regional development minister Anthony Chisholm said the Australian government was committed to working alongside the NHVR and the heavy vehicle industry to ensure safe roads .
“By investing in innovative projects that will deliver substantial road safety benefits, we’re furthering our commitment to reduce harm on Australian roads—for truckies and all users,” Senator Chisholm said.
“We know the HVSI program has delivered successful and lasting results across the country over the last 9 years, and the impacts have been transformative for this crucial industry.
“The government is proud to continue supporting initiatives that increase safety awareness, education and compliance across the transport and logistics sector.”
NHVR chief executive Nicole Rosie said reducing fatalities and serious injuries from heavy vehicle incidents was “the number one priority for the NHVR and there is still plenty to be done”.
“Through this program, we can continue to engage with safety-focused groups to improve on these numbers and make Australia’s roads safer for everyone,” Ms Rosie said.