The National Road Transport Association (NatRoad) today welcomed the announcement by the National heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) to re-instate temporary changes to the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS) driver medical and audit requirements as drivers are facing difficulties getting medical appointments.
"We are pleased to see that the NHVR has taken on-board NatRoad's concerns to support the industry during ongoing COVID-19 restrictions," said Mr Warren Clark, NatRoad CEO.
Practical changes will be in place until 31 January 2022. Under the changes, drivers operating under AFM or BFM accreditation may continue to drive with an expired driver medical (that expired on or after 31 July 2021), until they can practicably obtain a new one.
Changes also include the ability for auditors to undertake all document and records validation and audits remotely, requesting electronic copies by emailed to them (or by another suitable method), and conduct conversations over the phone where available.
"NatRoad supports any changes the NHVR is making to allow operators to continue to work without disruption to the movement of freight while maintaining safety requirements, and we welcome continued conversations with the NHVR going forward to assist operators during increasingly difficult times," Mr Clark concluded.
