Performance Snapshot Q4 2018–19

Quarterly Snapshot Q4 2018–19

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The NHVR engages with operators and the heavy vehicle industry through a number of forums—from road sides to organised conferences.

During Q4, two events highlighted the various ways the NHVR is engaging with our industry: the Brisbane Truck Show and Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) Review.

Of the thousands of people who visited the NHVR’s stall at the Brisbane Truck Show in May, most were keen to discuss work and rest hours, access, Performance Based Standards, Chain of Responsibility, accreditation, vehicle standards and compliance.

There were also many who dropped by to help support and raise money for our event charity partner Convoy For Kids.

During Q4, we also had the opportunity to engage closely with heavy vehicle operators as part of the HVNL Review.

Many operators with whom I’ve spoken over the past five years have raised concerns with areas of the law that they believe aren’t operating as effectively as it should.

That’s why we support a review of the HVNL. It’s important to make the most of this opportunity to deliver the best possible reforms to the HVNL, in many ways it’s a once in a generation opportunity.

The National Transport Commission—which is running the review—is releasing eight papers for feedback.

These cover some of the most common topics that operators regularly raise.

I would urge you to be involved, either through your industry association, the expert industry panel or directly through the NTC.

Sal PetroccittoCEO National Heavy Vehicle Regulator

ContentsSafety and Compliance 3Productivity 5Performance 7NHVR Road Manager Consent ‒ State and Local Governments 8Local government heat maps 9Road Manager Consents 9

Welcome to the Q4 NHVR Quarterly Snapshot

Performance Snapshot Q4 2018–19

Safety bulletin targets fire riskIn June, the NHVR released a safety bulletin targeted at reducing the risk of vehicle fires across the heavy vehicle industry.

The bulletin was released following a meeting between the NHVR and a cross-section of industry and regulatory partners, which explored the common issues surrounding heavy vehicle fires.

It was the first bulletin to be released as part of the NHVR’s ongoing investigation into the causes of heavy vehicle fires and the preventative actions industry can undertake to help mitigate risk.

The bulletin outlines a number of common fire risks in heavy motor vehicles, including:• shorting of electrical cables and

connections• inappropriately rated electrical

components• fluid line failures• heat generated by a turbocharger• dirty engine bays.

There are also preventative actions operators can take, including:• reviewing the common causes of fires

and identifying those that may be most present in their fleet

• reviewing maintenance management systems to remove or reduce any risk factors, and improve the safety of their transport activities

• ensuring those who carry out servicing or modification on higher-risk components or systems on their vehicles, such as electrical systems, have measures in place to verify that fire risks are not introduced.

Click here to view the Safety Bulletin – Reducing the risk of vehicle fires in the heavy vehicle industry

New cameras target heavy vehicle safetyACT roads will be safer following the rollout of new heavy vehicle monitoring cameras on both sides of the Federal Highway near the ACT-NSW border during Q4.

The six new automatic number plate recognition cameras were activated in April, and will monitor the two lanes and emergency stopping lane in each direction on the highway.

The NHVR provided $300,000 for the project as part of the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI), supported by the Commonwealth Government.

Data from the cameras in the ACT will feed into the National Compliance and

Information System to collect real-time monitoring and compliance data.

The NHVR is currently working with state and territory road transport authorities to identify additional camera sites located on the busiest freight routes to maximise heavy vehicle monitoring capability.

For more information on the NCIS and the National Safety Camera Network, visit www.nhvr.gov.au/ncis

Funding to target bridge assessmentsHeavy vehicle access across Australia received an $8 million boost with a Federal Budget allocation to carry out structural assessment of vital local government infrastructure, including bridges, roads and culverts.

The funding will allow the NHVR and local road managers to properly assess the integrity of many local government road assets.

The Federal Government budget also increased funding for the HVSI program from $3.9 million to $5.4 million in 2019–20 and announced further increases up to 2023.

The HVSI program has provided $11.61 million for 35 community and industry safety initiatives over the past three years, and the additional funding is an important safety outcome for all road users.

For more information visit www.nhvr.gov.au/hvsi

Codes expand to cranesThe NHVR continued to support the heavy vehicle industry to develop Industry Codes of Practice.

During Q4, the crane industry undertook consultation on the draft Crane Industry Code of Practice—a supplementary code to the Master Code, specific to the crane industry.

The draft Crane Industry Code of Practice has been developed by the Crane Industry Council of Australia in consultation with industry, and will consider and assess risks and control measures specific to crane operations, including crane roadworthiness, mass configuration, crane load security, operator competency for road travel and operator fatigue.Click here for more information on Industry Codes of Practice.

Fatigue safety forum outcomesIn March, the NHVR released a Summary of Outcomes paper following the NHVR’s first Fatigue Safety Forum held in October 2018.

The forum was held to better understand feedback from operators about the need to make fatigue reform a major focus of the HVNL review.

The Summary of Outcomes paper highlights some of the key discussions from the forum, including future directions in fatigue safety for heavy vehicle drivers and actions to improve fatigue safety.

Click here for the full Summary of Outcomes.

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Safety and Compliance

Performance Snapshot Q4 2018–19 4

Focus on fatigue for new AFM application kitThe NHVR made Advanced Fatigue Management (AFM) easier to access for operators looking for flexibility in their work and rest hours with the rollout of a new AFM application kit in April.

AFM allows operators to propose their own hours and rules to meet the unique demands of their operations, rather than sticking to prescriptive work and rest hours.

The new AFM application kit and tools provide practical examples of how operators have used AFM in the past to meet their needs, and the types of countermeasures they’ve used to stay safe and manage the seven fatigue principles.

The new application kits and tools are available to all operators through the NHVR website.

For more information visit www.nhvr.gov.au/fatigue

Ongoing fatigue monitoring trialsThe NHVR called for operators using fatigue monitoring technology to assist in a ground-breaking Fatigue Monitoring Trial.

The trial aims to gain a greater understanding of the characteristics, performance and use of technologies that monitor driver fatigue, and to determine how best to encourage industry uptake of these technologies.

Phase 1 of the study comprised a desktop review of current evidence relating to the various technologies.

Phase 2 began in May 2019 with an independent research team talking to a range of transport businesses currently using fatigue monitoring technology in their fleets.

The remaining phases will include field trials, consultation and reporting of the findings, with completion anticipated in June 2020.

We Need Space campaign launchedIn June, the NHVR rolled out a major safety campaign with information for light vehicle drivers.

The We Need Space campaign features former Australian Supercars star Garth Tander and professional truck driver Kerri Connors.

The campaign is made up of a series of videos, posters and fact sheets available at www.weneedspace.com.au

The campaign is funded by the NHVR’s HVSI program, supported by the Commonwealth Government.

Light vehicle drivers targeted in top tipsOvertaking, road positioning and stopping distances were some of the key issues addressed in a series of videos released in April to educate light vehicle drivers how to behave around trucks.

The video series by Whiteline Television is based on key themes highlighted by truck drivers who were asked to identify the most common safety issues they encountered while operating heavy vehicles.

The series is co-hosted by heavy vehicle safety advocate Rod Hannifey and radio presenter Nicole Rutledge, using a combination of on-road scenarios, graphics and animations to explain each tip in a straightforward and down-to-earth way.

The videos were funded by the NHVR’s HVSI program, supported by the Commonwealth Government.

For more information visit www.sharetheroad.net.au

Dubbo and Forbes Saleyards review concludedThe NHVR concluded a review of Improvement Notices issued to Forbes Shire Council and Dubbo Regional Council by Roads and Maritime Services NSW under the HVNL.

The review concluded that, in the circumstances, the requirement to install and operate a fixed weighing system goes beyond the scope of what is reasonably required under the HVNL.

The decision also instructs the councils to conduct routine compliance observations to ensure that top deck loading is done safely, including requiring stock agents to pay attention to the issue.

The NHVR noted that while the notices were issued in response to a specific circumstance, it was clear there is an appetite for additional guidance to be provided about how to meet safety standards under the legislation.

The NHVR has agreed to work with relevant stakeholders to better understand the issues, through a Livestock Supply Chain Review.

This review will identify the relationships, influence and capabilities of all safety and productivity stakeholders at saleyards with a view to ensuring there is certainty around their regulatory compliance obligations.

Examples of operating limits

and countermeasures under

Advanced Fatigue Management

M a y 2 0 1 9

AFM

Advanced Fatigue Management (AFM)

is the most flexible work and rest hours

option available. This flexibility may include

establishing hours that:

• reduce driver stress

• are optimised for certain routes or

• make rest more efficient.

This booklet provides real-life examples

of how operators have made use of the

flexibility offered by AFM.

These scenarios may not be applicable to

all operators and drivers, and you should

consider your individual circumstances when

developing your own arrangements.

Performance Snapshot Q4 2018–19 5

National fatigue compliance remains steadyThe NHVR welcomed the response from heavy vehicle drivers who continue to meet fatigue laws, following national Operation Wake Up, held in April.

The operation inspected more than 4300 vehicles across 105 locations in all states and territories, except the Northern Territory.

Of the vehicles inspected for fatigue-related issues, there were 3272 compliant drivers, which was 93%—a similar level to the national operations conducted last year.

The average delay for compliant vehicles was 13 minutes, compared to an average delay of 27 minutes for non-compliant vehicles.

The top five fatigue offences included:• 18.3%—exceeding driving hours

(historical)• 17.9%—not making work diary entries• 10.7%—exceeding driving hours

(current)• 8.7%—not carrying a work diary• 6.3%—false or misleading work diary

entries.

NHVR investigating several possible safety duty breachesThe NHVR began undertaking a number of investigations into serious offences under the reformed Chain of Responsibility laws that were introduced in October 2018.

The investigations are targeting serious, systemic safety breaches and respond to information gathered through multiple sources, including the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Confidential Reporting Line.

Investigations include the following allegations: • directions to disregard work/rest

requirements • the absence of a system for

managing risks• ineffective driver monitoring systems• poor load restraint practices.

The NHVR continues to urge all parties in the supply chain to make use of a variety of tools available for operators through an NHVR Safety Management System or the Master Industry Code of Practice.

For more information visit www.nhvr.gov.au/cor

ACT compliance transition finalisedDuring Q4, the NHVR completed the final steps for the transition of heavy vehicle on-road compliance and enforcement across the ACT.

From 1 July, the NHVR’s Safety and Compliance Officers (pictured above) will be authorised to stop heavy vehicles in the ACT to check compliance with the HVNL, driver licences, registrations and road rules.

The NHVR will also take on responsibility for issuing major, minor and self-clearing defects notices.

Self-clearing defect notices—introduced to the ACT for the first time—will be issued for faults that don’t pose a safety risk but still need to be rectified as soon as practicable.

6Performance Snapshot Q4 2018–19

Qld permit reform a boost for OSOMIn June, the Queensland Government extended the permit durations for Class 1 Oversize Over mass (OSOM) load-carrying vehicles to 12 months, following a review of conducted during last year.

The increase in duration from three months to one year is expected to save the heavy vehicle industry more than $1 million in fees and 3300 hours in paperwork.

For more information visit www.tmr.qld.gov.au/business-industry/Heavy-vehicles

Switch to Route PlannerNHVR Route Planner replaced the Journey Planner during Q4.

Route planner makes it easier to plan a journey with the most accurate and up-to-date road information and a street view feature that allows users to visually review locations and surroundings.

The tool also features detailed road manager boundaries, extra map layers for vehicle types, rest stops and networks and a number of handy draw and measure tools.

Drivers using Route Planner can easily view approved road networks for heavy vehicles and pinpoint locations that require access applications.

Route Planner uses improved Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping information, including data from the Public Sector Mapping Agency, Google Maps and MapData Services.

PBS grows to one-in-fiveOne-in-five relevant new heavy vehicles manufactured in Australia are now PBS approved, according to the second annual report into Australia’s PBS scheme, released in May.

The joint report by the Australian Road Transport Suppliers Association (ARTSA) and the NHVR demonstrated the success of Australia’s world-leading PBS scheme.

In 2017, 17 per cent of relevant new heavy vehicles were PBS approved, increasing to 20 per cent of relevant new heavy vehicles in 2018.

The report also shows:• 1900 new approvals for new PBS

combinations on 2018, an increase from around 1400 in 2017

• in the last five years, new PBS combination approvals have doubled, while the heavy vehicle

market has only grown by 20 per cent over the same period

• more than 55 per cent of PBS approvals are for truck and dog combinations

• PBS approved prime mover and trailer combinations have doubled in the last five years.For more information on the PBS

scheme or to view the report visit www.nhvr.gov.au/pbs

Updated PBS introduction for Road ManagersThe NHVR released the latest version of Performance Based Standards – An Introduction for Road Managers during Q4.

The guide provides road managers with greater understanding of the PBS scheme, to make it as easy as possible to assess, and grant network access to innovative and safer vehicles.

To view the guide visit www.nhvr.gov.au/pbs

Pre-approval maps for route planningHeavy vehicle operators now have access to 2000 additional routes when planning a journey, with extra

functionality added to the mapping system on the NHVR Portal in May.

Pre-approvals eliminate the need for individual road manager consents for agreed routes, allowing councils to get low-risk applications on their way, so they can focus resources on more complex applications.

The NHVR processed more than 67,000 permits to access state and local roads across 400 road managers, utility providers and rail authorities last year.

Click here to access the NHVR Portal.

Class 1 Ag Notice startsA new National Class 1 Agricultural Vehicle and Combination Notice was rolled out during Q4, removing the need to apply for permits to move many agricultural combinations on public roads.

The Notice simplifies the movement of large agricultural equipment and provides clearer guidelines for primary producers.

Farmers can check the Operator’s Guide and online maps to see whether they still require a permit to move a vehicle, as the Notice has established a network of local, state and territory roads that can be used by heavy agricultural vehicles.

It also reduces the designated agricultural zones from 26 to just five, with less complexity for cross-border movements and improves the efficiency of agricultural operations.

Some of the key provisions of the new notice include increased mass and dimension limits, standard operating conditions, and a consistent set of rules across state and territory borders.

Click here for more information on the Notice, the Operator’s Guide or network maps.

Launch of B-Quad in South AustraliaAustralia’s second on-road Super B-Quad, approved under the NHVR’s PBS scheme, was launched in Adelaide in June.

The B-Quad (pictured above) was developed by Southern Cross Trailers and operated by Symons Clark Logistics. For more information visit www.nhvr.gov.au/pbs

National Class 1 Agricultural Vehicle

and Combination Mass and Dimension

Exemption Notice Operator’s Guide

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Productivity

Performance Snapshot Q1 2017–18

PerformancePerformance Based Standards (PBS)The PBS scheme approves innovative and optimised vehicle designs for higher productivity vehicles, which reduces the impact on infrastructure and boosts safety for all road users. This means fewer trucks, less congestion and better safety outcomes. The full year saw 1720 PBS combinations approved, similar to the same period the year before.

NHVR permit applications

The NHVR processed 67,566 permit requests during 2018–19. The NHVR Portal is now the one-stop shop for all permit queries. For more information visit www.service.nhvr.gov.au

National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS)The NHVAS provides flexibility in managing fatigue and concessions for mass and maintenance for operators that have robust and compliant management systems. At the end of Q4 there were 7259 heavy vehicle operators accredited in 11,689 modules. The Maintenance module applied to 112,018 heavy vehicles, while the Mass module applied to 41,912 heavy vehicles.

Vehicle standards

The NHVR is responsible for issuing vehicle standards exemption permits and in-principle advice across the ACT, NSW, Queensland, SA, Tasmania, and Victoria. When reviewing an application, the NHVR considers vehicle standards and safety issues to decide if a vehicle can be safely used on roads. During 2018–19, 154 vehicle standards exemptions were granted. There were also 234 in-principle advice notices provided.

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Customer service The NHVR prides itself on being responsive to the needs of customers. The majority of interactions with the NHVR are through the website (www.nhvr.gov.au), NHVR Portal, or via 1300 MYNHVR (1300 696 487).

During 2018–19, there were 1.78 million hits on the NHVR website, more than 21,000 registered users of the Portal and 59,897 calls received by the call centre.

8Performance Snapshot Q4 2018–19

NHVR Road Manager Consent ‒ State and Local Governments The NHVR works with more than 400 road managers, utility providers and rail authorities to coordinate heavy vehicle access to state and local roads. Work is ongoing with state and local road authorities to improve processing times and reduce the number of permits required by operators. By the end of 2018-19 there were 2,426 pre-approved routes in place across Australia. Pre-approvals eliminate the need for individual road manager consents for agreed routes allowing councils to get low-risk applications on their way, so they can focus resources on more complex applications.

QueenslandLocal 9.2, State 12.8 (average days to process Q4 consents)

South AustraliaLocal 5.8, State 2.9(average days to process Q4 consents)

NSWLocal 6.2, State 12.7(average days to process Q4 consents)

VictoriaLocal 7.6, State 8.2(average days to process Q4 consents)

ACTTerritory 2.6(average days to process Q4 consents)

TasmaniaLocal 7.6, State 10.1(average days to process Q4 consents)

# Data from NHVR’s Customer Relations Management system

Q4 CONSENTSSTATE – 1508LOCAL – 1871

Q4 CONSENTS STATE – 2774LOCAL – 4478

Q4 CONSENTSSTATE – 264LOCAL – 453

Q4 CONSENTSSTATE – 2404LOCAL – 3244

Q4 CONSENTSSTATE – 1719LOCAL – 3051

Q4 CONSENTS

STATE129

9Performance Snapshot Q4 2018–19

Local government heat maps These maps give a general overview of the number of heavy vehicle access consent requests that road managers receive and the average time they take to respond to those requests. Figures for individual local government authorities can be seen in the online version of these maps here.

Road Manager Overdue Consents Figures for state, territory and individual local government authorities can be seen in the online version of these maps here.

Contact usFor further information about the NHVR’s activities, functions and services, please visit our website

www.nhvr.gov.auor contact us via:

P 1300 MYNHVR (1300 696 487) E info@nhvr.gov.au

National Heavy Vehicle Regulator PO Box 492 Fortitude Valley Qld 4006