The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator has issued its first safety and compliance alert to industry, following early observations of investigators on the recent fatal fuel tanker crash in country Victoria.
NHVR chief executive Sal Petroccitto released the alert ahead of the completion of the investigation since it offered important and practical advice that operators could act on promptly.
"Our advice to operators who are working with dog trailers, pig trailers and road train dollies is that they should read this safety advice closely and should consider actions they can take to assure the integrity of their trailer or dolly coupling systems, with a particular focus on the tow eye fitment.
"Our safety and compliance alert outlines the facts so far and identifies issues for operators to consider should they undertake inspections,” said Mr Petroccitto.
"I need to stress that the frontline investigation continues to be led by Victoria Police and we are providing this advice without comment as to any contributory cause to the collision.
"As a national regulator, we are very aware that safety doesn’t stop at the border,” said Mr Petroccitto.
"We are working with our frontline compliance arms in all states to make sure the right information is shared across all agencies and to determine what coordinated action authorities can take to prevent this happening again.
"I acknowledge the support of Victoria Police and the Victorian Transport Industry Enforcement Liaison Committee for their support in preparing our first safety alert,” said Mr Petroccitto.
