The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is issuing an urgent reminder to operators and drivers to ensure their heavy vehicles are roadworthy, with an alarming number of vehicles found to be defective last year.
NHVR Chief Operations Officer Paul Salvati said the NSW snowy region was of particular concern, after 965 defect notices were issued in the area in 2024.
"Concerningly, Safety and Compliance Officers found 60 major defects related to brakes or wheels and tyres maintenance," said Mr Salvati.
"This poses a serious safety risk requiring immediate rectification, particularly during winter when drivers face more difficult road conditions.
"Allowing a heavy vehicle on the road with a major defect puts both the driver and other road users in significant danger."
The NHVR recently released its National Roadworthiness Survey (NRS) 2024 report, following the largest ever health check of Australia's heavy vehicle fleet.
Alarmingly, the report showed around a third of units (33 per cent) surveyed had multiple defects- an increase from the previous 2021 survey.
Mr Salvati said the start of the snow season is a timely reminder for industry, with more motorists and ultimately more lives on the road.
"Heavy vehicle drivers will now share the roads with many more light vehicle drivers, particularly along the Monaro and Hume Highways, as people head to their snow and ski destinations," said Mr Salvati.
"Last winter, The Monaro Highway at Cooma and Hume Highway at Yass saw more than 16,600 heavy vehicles and over 32,000 light vehicles pass through.
"Tragically, in 2023 there were 7 crashes involving heavy vehicles in the snow region, one of which was fatal.
"In 2024, it was pleasing to see this figure halve, with zero fatalities from accidents involving heavy vehicles.
"I'd like to thank industry on this great outcome and remind drivers that it's one we can make happen again by ensuring heavy vehicles are fit for the roads."
Almost 70cm of snowfall has already hit popular ski resorts like Perisher during the first weeks of winter, with temperatures dipping to -4 degrees.
Mr Salvati said conditions such as these can rapidly change and will impact how heavy vehicles operate and manoeuvre.
"These weather events can make brakes, wheel bearings or tyres wear faster than usual, so it's imperative to conduct daily checks, as well as regular maintenance, to ensure they're roadworthy,"
"These inspections should be completed prior to a truck commencing its journey, and failing to do so could very well change the outcome of your life and other road users."
An example of a daily checklist can be viewed on the NHVR website.
