One in three intercepted heavy vehicles were found to be non-compliant, according to a recent joint enforcement operation on the Bruce Highway in Queensland.
Operation Overwatch, which ran ahead of the Christmas holidays, saw National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) Safety and Compliance Officers (SCOs) work in partnership with the Queensland Police Service (QPS) to conduct roadside inspections along the highway between Maryborough and Miriam Vale.
NHVR Chief Operations Officer Paul Salvati said officers completed more than 140 intercepts, with around a third resulting in detection of non-compliance with the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL).
“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,” said Salvati.
“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 said 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 said.
“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 said 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,” said Wilson.
“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.”
Operation Overwatch results
Intercepts:
- Total intercepts – 143
- Non-compliant intercepts – 49
- Vehicle units inspected – 319 (individual prime movers, trailers, dollies, etc)
- Education interactions – 14
Infringements:
- Fatigue – 10
- Dimension – 5
- Registration – 3
- Permit & Vehicle Configuration– 3
- Mechanical – 3
- Mass – 2
Enforcement activity:
- Total distinct notices: 72
- Defects: 47
- Minor defects: 44
- Major defects: 3
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