Results from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s (NHVR) annual National Roadworthiness Survey (NRS) released today has revealed brakes, lights and reflectors as the major non-conformity issues for the industry.
During the 12-week long survey, 9082 vehicles and combinations were inspected nationally – an average of 103 heavy vehicles each day – making it the largest in-depth “health check” of its kind ever conducted, said the regulator.
Of those units inspected, 33 per cent had at least one non-conformity, which the NHVR report describes as a “small but significant” increase from 31 per cent in 2021.
The incidence of non-conformity remains well below 2016 levels, the NHVR added.
“The majority of non-conformities were given at most a minor defect notice (i.e. the continued use of the vehicle on road poses a safety risk, but the risk is not deemed as imminent or serious).
“The highest level of non-conformity was minor for 21 per cent of units, a slight increase from 19 per cent in 2021. There has been a slight increase in the incidence of highest level of non-conformity being a self-clearing defect (i.e. the use of vehicle on road does not pose a safety risk, but a defect exists) from 6 per cent to 8 per cent.”
Overall, 75 per cent of units passed inspection (i.e. the highest level of non-conformity was a self-clearing defect or the unit had no defect). This remains stable from 75 per cent in 2021. Non-conformity did not differ greatly between units inspected in their state of registration and those inspected interstate (33 per cent and 31 per cent, respectively).
Brakes were the most common non-conformity issue across metro and regional Australia with 14 per cent, the same total as 2021, followed by lights and reflectors on 10 per cent, up slightly from 9 per cent in 2021.
“The NHVR is still concerned that defects in brakes remains a top issue, and I would like to take this opportunity to remind operators and drivers of their responsibility to ensure their vehicles are properly maintained and daily vehicle checks are conducted,” said NHVR Chief Operating Officer Paul Salvati.
Structure and body, engine driveline and exhaust and steering and suspension, are also in the top 5 most common areas of non-conformity – see table below.
“The 2024 NRS was a monumental undertaking, and the important effort of our officers conducting these inspections has provided us with the most comprehensive data ever gathered on the mechanical health of heavy vehicles across the nation,” Salvati added.
Nationally, 75 per cent of units passed inspection, which was the same percentage as the 2021 survey, continuing the strong improvement over the 2016 benchmark survey of 55 per cent.
“Unfortunately, the number of units having multiple defects was slightly higher in comparison to the previous survey, up to 33 per cent in 2024 from 31 per cent in 2021,” Salvati added.
“However, the non-compliance percentage remains well below the 2016 levels which is pleasing to see.”
Salvati said the sheer scale of the 2024 NRS has allowed the regulator to see where the NHVR and industry are making improvements in safety and where more attention is needed to focus regulatory efforts and future safety initiatives.
“We know that these inspections did result in a longer than normal intercept time [an average of 30 minutes], and I wanted to thank industry and drivers in particular for their patience and support while we undertook these crucial checks at the roadside.
“I know the impacts of this survey will enact positive results on the efficiency and productivity of the heavy vehicle industry, including safer roads for all road users.”