HEAVY vehicles across New South Wales are now regulated by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator following a state-wide transition which took place today (1 August).
The transition means responsibility for the regulation of heavy vehicles has officially shifted from Transport for NSW to the NHVR.
NHVR is the national body set up in 2013 to be the single, national regulator of heavy vehicles in Australia and to enforce national laws for the industry.
Following the transition, truck drivers across NSW will now see a NHVR logo and new uniforms for heavy vehicle services and compliance officers.
NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the transition was an important step toward delivering nationally consistent compliance for all heavy vehicle operators travelling in and through NSW.
“From today scheduled heavy vehicle inspections, investigations, prosecutions and roadside safety checks will transfer to the NHVR,” Mr Petroccitto said.
“I’m also pleased to welcome 310 Transport for NSW staff who will continue to serve and support the heavy vehicle industry.
“While drivers will see a new uniform and badge from today, they will receive the same services and support, and have to meet the same safety requirements as they have in the past.”
NHVR will continue to deliver services in NSW for more than 200 existing heavy vehicle inspection stations, safety stations and on-road enforcement sites across the state.
Tara McCarthy, Transport for NSW deputy secretary of safety, environment and regulation, said the state would continue to provide a number of other heavy vehicle services including licensing, registration and tow truck investigations and compliance.
“The transition of Transport for NSW staff to the NHVR will help carry a high safety standard across at the national level and is an important step in the national reform program” Ms McCarthy said.
“Heavy vehicle safety and productivity is vital for Australia’s economy and delivering consistent and borderless regulation of heavy vehicles will also improve consistency for operators.”
Mr Petroccitto said the NHVR has been working closely with the NSW government on the transition over the past six months and will be working with industry to ensure the transition is as seamless as possible.
“This is an ongoing journey to build a single, consistent national regulator for the heavy vehicle industry,” he said.
“NSW is now the fifth Australian jurisdiction—after South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania and the ACT—where the NHVR will be directly delivering heavy vehicle regulatory services.”
It is understood Queensland will be the final state to transition its services to the NHVR. The transition is expected to commence this year or in 2023.
