The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has officially deployed 10 Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras across New South Wales (NSW), monitoring heavy vehicle safety on key freight corridors across the state.
NHVR Chief Operations Officer Paul Salvati said the rollout of the cameras will bolster efforts in making Australia's major freight networks safer and ensuring the heavy vehicle industry remains productive and efficient.
"The NHVR now has a total of 49 ANPR cameras deployed across the country, including roadside trailers and vehicle-mounted cameras, to better detect and intercept potentially high-risk behaviour and unsafe practices by heavy vehicles on the roads," Mr Salvati said.
"Tragically, we have already seen 51 lives lost in crashes involving heavy vehicles across Australia this year, with 16 of these lives lost on NSW roads - the NHVR remains committed to doing everything in our power to drive down this road toll.
"These fatal incidents are sadly occurring more in regional and remote areas - which is why these cameras are such an important step towards safer heavy vehicle movements and improved road safety outcomes for all.
"Being mobile means our officers can move and use the cameras in different locations, with camera sites strategically identified within the busiest freight routes and areas that are high-risk, to maximise heavy vehicle monitoring capability."
Mr Salvati said by utilising ANPR technology, the NHVR can facilitate intelligence driven, risked-based intercepts, with the cameras automatically detecting the number plates of passing heavy vehicles, flagging any potentially high-risk vehicles and operators.
"While it is pleasing that the majority of drivers and vehicles operate safely, the wider implementation of the cameras means increased efficiency for compliant heavy vehicle drivers by ensuring they are intercepted less regularly," he explained.
"Officers will be able to focus their efforts on those who are potentially higher risk, allowing them to inform and educate drivers on how to comply with their obligations under the Heavy Vehicle National Law, resulting in a safer heavy vehicle industry.
"The high-tech monitoring cameras aim to encourage safer driving practices on heavy vehicle routes in NSW and will allow the NHVR to better understand the movement of heavy vehicles right across the country by providing critical data-driven insights.
"The rollout of ANPR cameras in NSW is a critical step in our mission to reduce road trauma by preventing dangerous behaviour on our roads - protecting families, friends and loved ones from the heartache and suffering caused by avoidable incidents."
