The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator's (NHVR) controversial 'Confidential Reporting Line' celebrates one year in operation. Here is what we know...
The NHVR’s Reporting Line has taken almost 1,500 calls in its first year of operation, the Regulator tells Owner//Driver.
NHVR National Intelligence Coordinator Aarron Unger says that the hotline has proved invaluable for heavy vehicle drivers and supply chain coordinators.
“What the hotline provides is a safe, confidential way for people to report unsafe or unfair practices,” Aarron says.
“Over the past year the hotline has proved incredibly necessary in making our roads safer for everyone.
“It’s provided our Investigations team with the information they need to look into the minority of organisations across all duty holders that are doing the wrong thing.
“We’ve received almost 1,500 calls, accounting for almost 900 individual reports with fatigue, mechanical safety and business practices the things that are coming up consistently from callers.
“We’ve also recently moved the hotline within the NHVR, after an initial phase with CrimeStoppers, so that people can be assured that they will get someone on the end of the line with the right expertise.
“I’d encourage anyone with a safety concern to call 1800 931 785. The hotline is staffed 7am-4.30pm (AEST) Monday to Friday.”
The Hotline is intended to improve safety in the industry by allowing people to report appropriate information which may include:
- an incident or situation which affects the safety of a heavy vehicle or its operation
- a procedure, practice or condition which endangers the safety of a heavy vehicle driver, their passengers, other road users or the community
- a procedure, practice or condition which leads to non-compliance with Heavy Vehicle National Law.
Calls to the confidential hotline will be free from any landline in Australia (and some mobile providers).
The Heavy Vehicle Confidential Reporting Hotline was funded by the Australian Government through a $250,000 grant from the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative.
For more information visit www.nhvr.gov.au/hvcrl