The National Road Safety Action Plan for 2023-2025 has now been signed off by both the Federal Transport Minister and state and territory transport ministers. This plan is part of the overall National Road Safety Strategy for 2021-2030 which aims to significantly reduce road trauma.
The action plan for the years 2023 to 2025 marks the initial phase of the overarching strategy, outlining the intricate involvement and responsibilities that various tiers of government will undertake to execute the strategy's vision in the forthcoming years. This plan encompasses an array of nine prioritized domains, with a specific focus on enhancing heavy vehicle safety. Each level of government shoulders distinct duties, and they possess unique tools at their disposal to curtail road accidents and their consequences.
For heavy vehicle operators, the key point is the intention of the government to implement legislation mandating safety technologies for heavy vehicles.
National Road Safety Action Plan: Overview
The plan is a lengthy document that goes into great detail on the responsibilities and actions at each level of Government – federal, state and local.
In regard to heavy vehicles, the plan aims to support the safe movement of both freight and passengers and to reduce the harm to road users. The plan notes that 17% of all deaths due to road accidents involve a heavy vehicle.
Through the HVNLR (Heavy Vehicle National Law Review) the plan sets out that relevant governments will work to develop an approach to national fatigue risk management for drivers. This includes complying with the HVNLR, the uptake of technologies and reviewing options to further improve fatigue management.
Specifically, the National Road Safety Action Plan for heavy vehicles has the aim of delivering the new Australian Design Rules which include:-
- Reversing Detector Systems
- Lane Departure Warning Systems
- Lane Keep Assist
- Warning systems for drowsiness and inattention
- Subject to developments overseas – devices for blind spots, indirect vision and other issues.
- Subject to developments overseas – intelligent speed assistance for heavy and for light vehicles.
HVIA Comments
In response to the latest development in the National Road Safety Action Plan, the Heavy Vehicle Industry Association (HVIA) posted a statement. Chief Executive, Todd Hacking, said that it rewarded the campaigning over many years by the association and its members.
Mr Hocking said that every action that could be taken in protecting all road users was vital. He said that was why the association developed its own Safer Vehicle strategy several years ago and partnered with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) to create the blueprint for technology on heavy vehicles.
Safety and innovation are included as core premises for industry week events and emphasised at the annual Truck Show to promote newer, safer heavy vehicles. Mr Hocking said that the industry was ‘ahead of the game’ in many of the key areas and the safety tech was already standard in many fleets.
Mr Hocking said that the latest models ticked the boxes in regard to efficiency, productivity and most importantly, safety.
Acquiring New Vehicles with Latest Safety Tech
The adoption of and timeframe for implementation of this first action plan of the strategy may motivate operators to implement their own plans to update ageing fleets and acquire new vehicles that meet the new requirements. An additional motivator to act now is the prospect of further rate rises and the upcoming expiration of temporary full expensing.
But a deterrent could be the current inflation situation and interest rates. Jade Truck Loans may assist operators comply with the National Road Safety Action Plan through cheaper finance to purchase new vehicles with the mandated tech. Finance is available on single vehicles and to for entire fleet upgrades.
Operators have the flexibility to choose from a range of finance products that align with their business structure, accounting practices, and financial goals. The options encompass Chattel Mortgage, Truck Leasing, Rent to Buy, and Commercial Hire Purchase. For enterprises contemplating the utilization of temporary full expensing before the impending 30 June deadline, it's advisable to engage with us to discuss Chattel Mortgage Truck Finance FAQs. This will provide clarity and insights into how Chattel Mortgage could be the fitting solution for your financial needs.
As specialist brokers, we provide options for ABN Loans and Low Doc No Doc Truck Loans to ensure sole traders and those without financials have access to cheaper finance to acquire safer, newer vehicles. Flexible, affordable and workable options can be sourced for operators with no or very little financial documentation. This can include those starting up new owner-operator businesses.
Interest rates play a pivotal role in truck acquisition, and with our expanded access to a broader network of lenders, we possess the capability to secure Cheaper Truck Finance Interest Rates across our diverse product portfolio. Reach out to us for quotes and speedy application approvals, guaranteeing the prompt procurement of vehicles that align with the newly imposed prerequisites of the National Road Safety Action Plan.
Contact Jade Truck Loans on 1300 000 003 for cheaper interest rate finance on new heavy vehicles with the mandated safety technology.
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