The operation, conducted along the Bruce Highway, saw nearly a third of intercepted heavy vehicles deemed non-compliant
Almost a third of heavy vehicles intercepted along one of Australia’s busiest freight routes have been found to be non-compliant as part of a recent operation.
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has unveiled the results of Operation Overwatch, with ongoing non-compliance the key takeaway from the Bruce Highway blitz.
The operation saw the NHVR’s Safety and Compliance Officers (SCOs) partner with the Queensland Police Service (QPS) to conduct roadside inspections in the lead-up to Christmas between Maryborough and Miriam Vale.
There were 143 intercepts completed, including 49 non-compliant intercepts, while 319 vehicle units were inspected.
The leading infringements issued were fatigue related, with dimension (five), registration (three), permit and vehicle configuration (three), mechanical (three) and mass (two) also included.
There were also 47 defects (44 minor and three major), with there being 14 education interactions as part of the operation.
“Operation Overwatch aimed to reduce high-risk behaviours on one of Queensland’s most dangerous stretches of road, with three fatal crashes recorded in the weeks leading up to the operation,” NHVR chief operations officer Paul Salvati says.
“SCOs and police spoke to drivers about a range of issues, including mechanical requirements, dimensions, fatigue, permits, loading and mass.
“Concerningly, we saw 10 infringements related to fatigue, which we know is one of the most dangerous behaviours across industry.”
Salvati says areas such as Iveragh, Miriam Vale and Gin Gin were considered a hot spot for traffic crashes, with many heavy vehicle drivers appealing for the presence of officers in these areas.
“While some of the figures from this operation are disappointing from a compliance standpoint, we are really pleased with industry’s positive response to an increased officer presence around the highway,” he says.
“It’s encouraging for the NHVR and our partners to hear first-hand from truck drivers that they appreciate our efforts in educating more motorists on how to comply with the HVNL.
“We are also pleased that no crashes occurred during the operation in areas where officers focused.”
NHVR northern region operations manager Jarrod Wilson says SCOs worked in partnership with the QPS to increase driver safety and ultimately reduce road trauma throughout the region.
“Every roadside interaction aims to create a safer heavy vehicle industry,” Wilson says.
“Through Operation Overwatch, importantly, we saw 14 targeted education interventions covering topics such as work diaries, dimensions, fatigue and loading.
“Both the NHVR and QPS are committed to helping all drivers reach their destination safely, which is why we will continue to work with industry to make Queensland’s roads safer.”