The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has prohibited two heavy vehicles from operating after repeated inspections identified serious safety defects within a fleet used to transport flammable fuels and other dangerous goods.
The prohibition notice was issued on 28 October 2026 following an investigation that began with fleet inspections in late August.
According to the NHVR’s enforcement announcement, every vehicle inspected during the initial operation received a defect notice.
Inspectors identified problems involving steering components, fuel leaks, damaged seatbelts, lighting, airbag suspension and an excessively worn steer tyre with exposed steel cords.
Subsequent inspections uncovered further problems, resulting in another 24 defect notices. Several involved the same or similar safety-critical components.
NHVR investigators also identified shortcomings in the operator’s safety management systems, including its management of maintenance risks and compliance with mass and dimension requirements.
The two prohibited vehicles cannot return to service until they undergo full inspections at a Heavy Vehicle Inspection Station and the identified defects are cleared.
The regulator also issued an improvement notice requiring the operator to address its vehicle safety management policies, procedures or systems.
NHVR Executive Director Statutory Compliance Paul Alsbury described the findings as evidence of systemic shortcomings rather than isolated defects.
The operator has not been identified in the announcement. The NHVR says investigations are continuing.