As a modern regulator, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) adopts an intelligence led, risk-based approach to identify and manage compliance with the HVNL, and to ensure we are focusing on the greatest safety risks on our roads.
In line with this, I’m happy to announce the NHVR has updated its ‘White List’ application process for operators whose fleets travel through New South Wales and South Australia, to help reduce reporting requirements for participating vehicles and companies.
The purpose of the White List is to maintain the balance between monitoring fatigue compliance in the heavy vehicle industry and the volume of correspondence between operators and the NHVR.
The NHVR utilises the National Camera Network, which monitors the movement of heavy vehicles to identify potential travel time (fatigue) related non-compliance.
Where potential fatigue related breaches are identified through the network, the NHVR sends out correspondence seeking work diary pages and other evidence from industry to determine if an offence was committed.
As part of this program, the NHVR allows industry to apply and be considered for the White List, which is essentially a list of operators who have successfully applied for exclusion from reporting on certain low-risk fatigue-related National Camera Network incidents.
The process to apply to the White List includes the requirement for a satisfactory compliance history over a minimum of 12 months, as well as a demonstrated pattern of interstate or long-haul journeys with an effective system of managing driver fatigue.
These new changes will result in a decrease in red tape for compliant operators, while ensuring road safety remains our number one priority.
As mentioned, it will significantly reduce reporting requirements for operators, while maintaining safe operations.
The NHVR always aims to increase the productivity of operators, but our primary function is to ensure that the highest level of road safety is delivered for both industry, and the wider community.
It is our hope that these changes will entice operators to implement fatigue management practices in order to be considered for the White List inclusion.
At the NHVR, we are committed to educating industry around fatigue management and requirements. Fatigue is one of the leading factors that affects safety and heavy vehicle crashes, hence why these management practices are so important.
For more information, including the White List application form, click here.
- Paul Salvati is the NHVR chief operations officer.