As of tomorrow, April 20, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) will assume responsibility for heavy vehicle on-road compliance and enforcement services in Queensland, including vehicle inspections.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Bart Mellish said, “The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has been working closely with the NHVR to ensure a seamless transition of heavy vehicle regulatory services, to establish a safer road network in Queensland.
“This marks the end of a significant reform program, and is a step forward for industry, who now have a single point of interaction for consistent information about the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) and any issues they face as drivers or businesses.
“We look forward to the productivity and safety benefits of having a single regulator for the heavy vehicle industry, with Queensland the final participating jurisdiction to transfer these regulatory services to the NHVR.
“By having a borderless operating model, the NHVR will be able to address the greatest risks on our roads, improving safety for everyone.”
According to NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto OAM, the integration of Queensland into the NHVR will “simplify compliance for drivers” by providing a more unified approach to heavy vehicle regulation.
“By taking the wheel in the Sunshine State, the NHVR will provide nationally consistent education and enforcement across participating jurisdictions and will undertake more complex Chain of Responsibility and primary duty investigations into duty holders across the supply chain,” Petroccitto said.
“The Queensland transition is a pivotal moment in Australia’s transport landscape, and by centralising regulatory functions under one authority, we can accelerate regulatory compliance harmonisation across state borders, and drive a safer, more efficient heavy vehicle industry.”
Following the transition, NHVR safety and compliance officers will be working roadside and at vehicle inspection sites across the state, identifiable by their uniforms, badges and vehicles.
“The transition of heavy vehicle services will see a renewed on-road presence across Queensland, particularly in regional and remote areas,” he said.
“Our new operations head office is located in Townsville, expanding our reach and enabling us to boost compliance and improve road safety outcomes in North Queensland.
“The NHVR’s on-road officers have authority to stop heavy vehicles and check compliance against the HVNL, and importantly, provide information and education to industry where it’s needed.”