A month’s delay bedding down NHVR’s IT systems means laws now effective October 1
August 23, 2013
After announcing late last week that the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) would be ready to roll out the first tranche of heavy vehicle laws on September 1, the regulator’s board has sought a month’s delay based around Information Technology (IT) issues.
NHVR CEO Richard Hancock announced Thursday the NHVR Board asked for an October 1 start date to allow more preparatory work, particularly in relation to a ‘critical access management IT system for permit applications’.
“Our rigorous testing of this IT system, which will process up to 100,000 permit applications per year, has identified some integration issues that we need to fix before it goes live,” says Hancock.
“This isn’t unusual and just highlights the significant efforts we’re making to ensure the system goes live when it is ready.
“We will be the first organisation in Australia managing that volume of permit applications every year.”
Hancock says the IT contract partners, selected through an extensive tender process overseen by independent experts, along with the NHVR team, has put in a huge amount of effort to get to where it is positioned in a short amount of time.
“I’ve talked with national and state industry associations and the overwhelming message is one of support for the NHVR and that they want us to ensure that our IT systems and processes are working as they need to be,” he says.
During September, the NHVR will bring in a range of industry and government representatives to see demonstrations of the access management system and to take part in user acceptance testing.
“I’d also like to thank Ministers and participating road transport agencies for their continued support,” says Hancock.
“The additional time allows for more training of transport inspectors and police officers, and for us to give more information and support to local councils.
“Until our new start date, though, it’s business as usual for heavy vehicle operators and drivers.
NHVR will administer the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS) and the Performance Based Standards (PBS) for the heavy vehicle industry.
“Come to us for NHVAS and PBS services as you have been since January,” says Hancock.
“Stick with your local road transport authority for all other road transport business with government, including access, vehicle standards and fatigue management.”