New Heavy Vehicle Safety Station now open on the Golden Highway
A new Heavy Vehicle Safety Station (HVSS) has opened on the Golden Highway in the state’s Central West, delivering a safety boost for all road users on this key freight route.
The new safety station, located about 5.5 kilometres east of Ballimore between Dubbo and Dunedoo, was funded by the Australian and NSW governments and is operated by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) as part of their heavy vehicle compliance program.
Transport for NSW Executive Director Road Safety Regulation Duncan Lucas said the new station would enforce heavy vehicle safety regulations, reducing overloading, fatigue-related crashes, and the risk of non-compliant vehicles travelling to Dubbo.
“Work on the new safety station started in May 2023 and following some construction delays due to waterlogged ground from flooding and complications in accessing and installing some of the Intelligent Transport System (ITS) components, the station is now operational,” Mr Lucas said.
“The NHVR uses the network of Heavy Vehicle Safety Stations to intercept and inspect heavy vehicles which may be operating illegally or in an unsafe manner on NSW roads and may pose significant risk to road users, the road infrastructure and the environment.
“The new facility at Ballimore is the 10th HVSS in NSW and its opening is an important milestone in improving safety for all motorists travelling long distances on roads and highways across regional NSW.”
The facility was jointly funded, with the Australian Government committing $3.7 million under the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program (HVSPP) and the NSW Government contributing $7.3 million.
With the Ballimore HVSS now operational, all heavy vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) greater than 4.5 tonnes travelling on the Golden Highway will be required to enter the HVSS when directed to ensure the vehicle meets safety and roadworthiness standards and the driver is complying with road transport laws.
NHVR Chief Operations Officer Paul Salvati said HVSS operating hours and staffing levels vary to match road traffic flow patterns.
“At peak times, including weekends and public holidays, Heavy Vehicle Safety Stations can operate up to 24 hours a day,” Mr Salvati said.
“HVSS sites are fitted with safety software which can quickly determine a heavy vehicle’s registration status and defect status, while also accessing Safe-T-Cam sightings that along with the driver’s work diary, can assist with monitoring driver fatigue.
“The Ballimore HVSS will be operated by NHVR Safety and Compliance Officers already based in Dubbo, with support from other NHVR teams during peak periods as needed.”
The locations of other NSW Heavy Vehicle Safety Stations can be found at www.nhvr.gov.au/about-us/safety-campaigns/under-the-hood.