A national regulator says a recent survey found an alarming number of heavy vehicles to be defective. Photo: MDRX / Wikimedia Commons.
Truck and heavy-vehicle drivers are urged to ensure they’re ready to hit the road this winter.
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) recently released its National Roadworthiness Survey (NRS) 2024 report following the largest-ever health check of Australia’s heavy-vehicle fleet.
It showed around a third of units surveyed (at 33 per cent) had multiple defects – an increase from the previous 2021 survey.
NHVR chief operations officer Paul Salvati said the NSW Snowy Mountains region was particularly concerning, with 965 defect notices issued there in 2024.
“Concerningly, safety and compliance officers found 60 major defects related to brakes or wheels and tyres maintenance,” he said.
“This poses a serious safety risk requiring immediate rectification, particularly during winter when drivers face more difficult road conditions.
“Allowing a heavy vehicle on the road with a major defect puts both the driver and other road users in significant danger.”
Mr Salvati said the start of the snow season was a timely reminder for industry, with more motorists – and more lives – on the road.
After May came and went without much snowfall, early winter brought between 30 and 70 cm of snow to the Snowy Mountains over the King’s Birthday long weekend.
“Heavy-vehicle drivers will now share the roads with many more light-vehicle drivers, particularly along the Monaro and Hume highways, as people head to their snow and ski destinations,” Mr Salvati said.
“Last winter, the Monaro Highway at Cooma and [the] Hume Highway at Yass saw more than 16,600 heavy vehicles and over 32,000 light vehicles pass through.
“Tragically, in 2023 there were seven crashes involving heavy vehicles in the snow region, one of which was fatal.
“In 2024, it was pleasing to see this figure halve, with zero fatalities from accidents involving heavy vehicles.
“I’d like to thank industry on this great outcome and remind drivers that it’s one we can make happen again by ensuring heavy vehicles are fit for the roads.”
Mr Salvati said winter conditions could change rapidly, affecting how heavy vehicles operated and manoeuvred.
“These weather events can make brakes, wheel bearings or tyres wear faster than usual, so it’s imperative to conduct daily checks, as well as regular maintenance, to ensure they’re roadworthy,” he said.
“These inspections should be completed prior to a truck commencing its journey, and failing to do so could very well change the outcome of your life and other road users.”
