The Federal Government, together with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), has announced the funding of 12 industry-led projects, under the tenth round of the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI).
To date, the Australian Government has invested more than $45 million across 181 HVSI projects since the program started in 2016, delivering safety improvements across Australia’s heavy vehicle industry and protecting all road users.
With Australia’s road freight expected to grow by 77 per cent between 2020 and 2050, the federal government said the trucking industry is vital for the Australian economy and way of life,
The new HVSI projects will deliver tangible safety improvements for the transport and logistics sector by developing crucial educational campaigns and innovative technologies, the government said.
The “Hold on Heavy” project is just one of those being funded this round, which will develop scalable AI technology to dynamically adjust traffic signals for approaching heavy vehicles to extend red or green phases and reduce the risk of intersection incidents, it added.
Assistant Minister for Regional Development and for Resources, Senator Anthony Chisholm, said: “The Albanese Government is firmly committed to working alongside the NHVR and the heavy vehicle industry to ensure our roads remain safe for everyone.
“By investing in innovative projects that will deliver substantial road safety benefits, we’re furthering our commitment to reduce harm on Australian roads – for truckies and all users.
“We know the HVSI program has delivered successful and lasting results across the country over the last nine years, and the impacts have been transformative for this crucial industry.
“The Government is proud to continue supporting initiatives that increase safety awareness, education and compliance across the transport and logistics sector.”
NHVR CEO, Nicole Rosie, said: “In 2024–25, sadly we saw 190 lives lost in crashes involving heavy vehicles.
“Reducing fatalities and serious injuries from heavy vehicle incidents is the number one priority for the NHVR and there is still plenty to be done.
“Through this program, we can continue to engage with safety-focused groups to improve on these numbers and make Australia’s roads safer for everyone.”
The latest round of HVSI funding is approximately $4.2 million.
Read more about the HVSI, including a full list of Round 10 recipients here.
Read more about the work of the NHVR.
