On the evidence of PowerTorque’s day at a roadside checking station in New South Wales, the takeover by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator has had the effect of lowering the temperature in the state which had the reputation of being the most contentious state for truck drivers.

The atmosphere has changed since the introduction of the NHVR roadside enforcement teams. It appears to have taken the heat out of the interface between the truck driver, the trucking operator and those whose job it is to regulate and ensure compliance with the rules.

One of the most notable things about my visit to this checking station was how calm and quiet it was. Of course, the NHVR team at this checking station understand they have a journalist in their midst and have to be on their best behaviour, but even when I was, behind the glass and not visible to the drivers, and not recognisable as someone who was observing the interactions, the attitude of the drivers was always calm and always reasonable.

Anyone from the trucking community who has spent any time at regular checkpoint in the past, will know that the interactions between drivers and those regulating them would often get very heated.

Many drivers would already be looking for trouble as they pulled onto the weighbridge and this attitude often lead to friction and conflict. This situation also meant that the roadside officers were also always on their guard for trouble and could give back as much as they got.

Cameras are placed well before the point at which the truck will be diverted back onto the highway. This gives the team the time to have a good look at any truck from a number of angles.

On that screening lane the system does an automatic registration check, which will flag if any defects or any other issues are connected with the particular registration plate. The checks are carried out and any problem alerts are flagged to the roadside team quickly.

It’s only a few hundred metres between the point at which the truck enters the screening lane and when it will be sent back out onto the road with an all-clear message of ‘return to the freeway’ on the overhead message board.

The WIM screening weight is an estimate and the first task once the truck arrives on the weighbridge is to confirm the estimated masses as an accurate reading. The crew reckon the WIM gets it right 50 per cent of the time, and it’s not right for the other half. The job is to then apply the right sanction for the overload.

If the truck has been brought in by the operator watching the screening lane, the team will have a look around and chat to the driver. Checks are done if anything doesn’t look right. If there is anything non-compliant the appropriate action is taken.