A joint operation between the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) and Queensland Police Service (QPS) will focus on improving compliance with oversize overmass (OSOM) movements in south east Queensland after recent inspections revealed a non-compliance rate of 43 per cent.
Known as Operation Kindle, the initiative will run over the coming weeks and combine roadside enforcement with education in key freight areas including the Port of Brisbane and Burpengary. The operation will target compliance with OSOM permit conditions, vehicle standards and safe load management.
NHVR Director Northern Region Kelli Ready said multiple enforcement activities conducted throughout 2025 identified mechanical defects, dimension breaches and loading issues as the main causes of non-compliance.
“High levels of non-compliance in an area involving complex heavy load movements are concerning,” Ready said. “Some of these combinations can reach up to 150 tonnes and 19 metres in length, so even small errors can have serious consequences.
“Operators must clearly understand their permit requirements and curfew conditions, which are in place to protect road users, infrastructure and the industry.”
Ready said Operation Kindle was designed to strengthen coordinated enforcement with QPS and ensure permit conditions, including approved routes, curfews and mass limits, were being met.
QPS Road Policing Group Inspector Gareth Bosley said OSOM movements posed an increased risk on Queensland roads and called on operators and drivers to prioritise safety.
“Enforcement agencies play an important role in managing these risks, but responsibility also sits with operators and drivers to ensure these movements are undertaken safely and in line with permit conditions,” said Bosley.
“This means making sure loads are secure, vehicles are mechanically sound and loading does not compromise the driver’s ability to safely control the vehicle.”
Operation Kindle will also place a strong emphasis on education, with officers engaging drivers and operators on mechanical inspections, loading requirements and permit obligations.
Ready said industry could play a key role in improving safety outcomes by prioritising daily checks and regular maintenance.
“Most operators do the right thing, but those who cut corners must be held to account,” she said. “Roadworthiness is paramount. When mechanical systems aren’t up to standard, the consequences can be deadly.”
The NHVR and QPS said they would continue working closely with industry to improve OSOM compliance and deliver safer roads across Queensland.
In other news, CILT Australia and CLOCS-A join MegaTrans 2026.
