The NHVR has announced the findings of its 2024 National Roadworthiness Survey (NRS), which revealed that a quarter of more than 9000 of Australia’s truck fleet failed to passed muster in the inspections during the survey.
The survey ran for 12 weeks across all Australian states and territories, and the regulator says it revealed critical insights into the nation’s heavy vehicle industry.The NHVR said the 2024 NRS is the third iteration of the survey, with the first one conducted in 2016 and the second in 2021.
Interestingly the pass mark this time around for the national truck fleet was exactly the same as it was in the last survey in 2021, but well ahead of the 55 per cent figure revealed in the NHVR’s earlier 2016 survey
During the 2024 NRS, the NHVR inspected a total of 9,082 vehicles and combinations nationally, with the Regulator claiming it to be the largest in-depth health check ever conducted.
NHVR chief operating officer Paul Salvati said that this meant NHVR safety and compliance officers (SCOs) inspected 103 heavy vehicles on average each day.
“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,” Mr Salvati said.
“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 explained.
“However, the non-compliance percentage remains well below the 2016 levels which is pleasing to see.”
According to the Regulator, the most common defect across both metro and regional areas in Australia were brakes, with engine driveline and exhaust, steering and suspension among the top five.
“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,” Salvati added.
“The sheer scale of the 2024 NRS has allowed us to see where the NHVR and industry are making improvements in safety and where more attention is needed to focus our regulatory efforts and future safety initiatives,” he said.
“We know that these inspections did result in a longer than normal intercept time, 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.” concluded Salvati.
