The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has secured a Supreme Court injunction preventing a Queensland transport company and its Director from continuing operations after repeated breaches of safety orders.
The regulator took the action following the discovery of more than 200 mechanical faults and almost 70 offences across the company’s fleet over a two-year period.
According to NHVR Executive Director of Statutory Compliance Paul Alsbury, the company’s compliance history demonstrated a significant disregard for safety obligations.
“The company had 16 heavy vehicles inspected from their fleet and each one was found to be defective,” said Alsbury.
“Any defective heavy vehicle poses a safety risk, and operators have a responsibility to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and properly maintained to protect their drivers and all road users.”
The regulator issued prohibition notices directing the company to cease transport activities after identifying serious defects and safety risks.
“Prohibition notices are put in place to stop activities that pose a serious risk to safety and remain until the risks are addressed,” said Alsbury.
“Despite three prohibition orders issued against the company and one for the director, they continued to operate.”
The Supreme Court has now granted the NHVR an injunction order preventing further operations. Breaching the order could expose the company and its director to significant penalties, including fines or imprisonment.
Alsbury said the decision sends a strong message to industry about the consequences of ignoring safety responsibilities under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL).
“It’s each operator’s responsibility to do everything they can to make transport activities safe, which is why it’s called the primary duty,” he said.
“Blatantly ignoring that duty and continuing to operate unsafe heavy vehicles is unacceptable.
“The NHVR will continue to ensure operators remain accountable and comply with the HVNL.”
.JPG)
.png){kind=logo}
.png){kind=small}
