Editorial
National regulation to drive efficiency and safety
The future of our state’s economy will depend to a very large extent on the health of our transport industry.
Much of our resources lie in remote locations and the realisation of the hoped for mining and agricultural expansion depends on the ability to move the materials to market.
Transport regulators around the country face similar challenges and are taking action to encourage industry to become safer and more efficient.
Together we are cutting red tape to make it simpler for our operators to run safe and productive enterprises.
During November the country’s transport ministers agreed on new nation-wide legislation to regulate heavy vehicles in Australia.
This change, expected to be implemented in early 2013, will mean that operators no longer need to adapt to a different regulation regime at each border crossing.
Rather, eight separate sets of laws will be combined into one.
South Australia is also vigorously pursuing improvements.
I believe good regulation is about finding the balance between ensuring safety on our roads and offering operators the efficiency they need to run productive businesses.
To achieve this aim we will continue to encourage all parts of the supply chain to take responsibility for safety in return for regulation reform.
This approach has resulted in improvements such as a new RAVNet mapping system that gives online access to restricted routes, cutting paperwork that needs to be carried.
The National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme – which offers greater loads and access in return for demonstration of best-practice safety standards – continues to grow in popularity with more than 1000 operators joining.
And the need to frequently apply for permits is being reduced and simplified with more permanent routes and electronic forms.
The next 12 months will see a large change in how heavy vehicles are regulated in this state and across the country.
I look forward to continuing to work together to ensure the transport industry has the flexibility it needs to play its part in the economic growth of the state.
Brian Hemming
Director, Transport Safety Regulation
Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure
