CVIAA proposes heavy vehicle safety and productivity reforms

The Commercial Vehicle Industry Association of Australia has called for the establishment of a dedicated Heavy Vehicle Safety Office and a national Approved Vehicle Examiner scheme as part of its submission to the National Transport Commission’s Heavy Vehicle National Law review.

CVIAA president, Clive Polly said the organisation’s recommendations to the review reflect the industry’s commitment to improving safety outcomes while supporting Australia’s transition to a more sustainable transport sector.

“While we welcome the National Transport Commission’s focus on regulatory flexibility, our submission identifies several crucial areas requiring immediate attention to ensure the heavy vehicle industry can meet future challenges,” said Polley.

“Central to our recommendations is the establishment of a dedicated Heavy Vehicle Safety Office to develop and oversee national safety standards, supported by improved consultation processes between regulators and industry.”

Key recommendations in the CVIAA submission include:

• Establishment of a dedicated Heavy Vehicle Safety Office
• Implementation of a national Approved Vehicle Examiner scheme
• Creation of a national Written-Off Vehicle Register for heavy vehicles
• Development of a new NHVAS productivity module to support emissions reduction
• Introduction of standardised minimum competency requirements for vehicle repairers

According to the CVIAA, the submission highlights the pressing need to address technological change in the sector, noting that with an average fleet age of 17 years, the industry requires a regulatory framework that can effectively manage both current and emerging technologies.

“With Australia committed to a 43 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, we need regulatory structures that support both safety and sustainability improvements across the heavy vehicle fleet,” said Polley. The CVIAA’s submission also addresses the critical need for national consistency in vehicle standards and repair quality, proposing new frameworks for vehicle examination and repair standards.

Download the CVIAA Submission here: https://bit.ly/3UYKdUs