The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator is planning on deploying mobile Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras across all of its jurisdictions.
In a bid to boost heavy vehicle safety across Australia’s freight network, NHVR Acting Chief Operations Officer Michelle Tayler says the high-tech monitoring cameras will help the regulator obtain information on Australia’s heavy vehicle fleet while encouraging safer driving practices on heavy vehicle routes and freight networks.
“The NHVR has now invested in 40 mobile ANPR camera devices which are used by our Safety and Compliance Officers (SCOs), including roadside trailers and vehicle mounted cameras,” she says.
“ANPR cameras automatically detect the number plates of passing heavy vehicles, allowing our SCOs to better detect and interrupt potentially high-risk behaviour and unsafe practices by heavy vehicles on our roads, which helps focus our compliance and enforcement efforts.
“In line with the NHVR’s risked-based approach to compliance, using these cameras means we can increase efficiency for compliant heavy vehicle drivers and make Australia’s roads safer for all.”
Tayler says by being mobile, the cameras can be moved and used in different locations, with camera sites identified within the busiest freight routes to maximise heavy vehicle monitoring capability.
“Currently, these devices have been deployed by NHVR SCOs in South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Queensland and soon in New South Wales, targeting safety on key freight corridors,” she says.
“This is just one of the ways the NHVR is reinforcing efforts to make Australia’s major freight networks safer and ensuring the heavy vehicle industry remains productive and efficient.”
The NHVR is reminding industry ANPR cameras are not the same as speed cameras, and being detected by the cameras does not necessarily mean a driver will be fined.
“As a result of a camera sighting, a NHVR SCO may intercept a vehicle at a suitable location to undertake relevant safety checks related to potential high-risk journeys,” Michelle says.
“Footage from the cameras is retained in a secure data system, in accordance with our privacy policy, and is used by the NHVR to develop and inform on-road activities to increase road safety.
“We are committed to continuously investing in cutting-edge technology such as mobile ANPR cameras, that take us a step forward in making roads safer for all drivers.”
