Mass management is a growing crisis on Australian roads, with severe consequences stemming from neglect by transport operators. A recent case highlights the severity of the issue: a Melbourne company was fined $180,000 for 69 breaches of mass limits.
Similarly, 9news reported other incidents where flying couches and building materials were clogging up Melbourne’s road network, with motorists warned. “Transurban is cleaning up 3 of these incidents every day, amounting to 1200 a year” said the 9News reporter.
Such violations are not just regulatory failures—they pose a serious threat to public safety. The negligence of operators leads to incidents that create dangerous obstacles for other motorists. This crisis underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement of the Chain of Responsibility (CoR) laws and greater accountability among operators.
The Consequences of Mass Breaches
The Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) imposes strict penalties for mass limit breaches, which can include significant fines and prosecution. According to the HVNL, breaches are categorised into minor, substantial, and severe, each carrying varying penalties. A minor breach might incur a fine of several hundred dollars, while a severe breach can lead to fines exceeding $10,000, or even higher for corporate entities. In addition to fines, operators may face legal action, loss of operating licenses, and damage to their reputations, further emphasising the importance of compliance.
Of the 69 mass breaches detected, 24 were deemed “severe risk breaches”, which means the load is at 120 per cent of its mass limit or over.
The Melbourne case pleaded guilty to a Category 1 offence – the most serious offence under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) – with a conviction recorded and a fine of $180,000 imposed.
The Importance of Chain of Responsibility
The Chain of Responsibility is a cornerstone of the Australian trucking industry’s legal framework, designed to ensure that every party in the transport supply chain shares responsibility for safety. The CoR laws were introduced to prevent the kind of systemic negligence that leads to incidents like mass breaches and unsecured loads on roads. However, the enforcement of these laws has often been disproportionately focused on operators, while other parties, such as consignees and consignors, escape scrutiny. This unbalanced enforcement undermines the effectiveness of CoR and allows dangerous practices to persist.
Operators must understand that CoR extends beyond mere compliance with regulations; it is about creating a culture of safety within the industry. By investing in technologies that support mass management and CoR compliance, such as Manage Vehicle’s integrated solutions, operators can take proactive steps to monitor and enforce safety standards. These technologies not only help operators avoid penalties but also protect lives by preventing accidents caused by overloaded or improperly secured vehicles.
Creating a Precedent of Responsibility
To truly address the mass management crisis, it is crucial to establish a precedent where operators are held accountable for their actions. While all parties in the chain share responsibility, operators have to bear the brunt of noncompliance more because there is a growing trend where operators have been treating this industry like a business, not caring that there are actual lives involved. This greed has led to neglect and therefore accidents.
The mass management crisis on our roads is a pressing issue that requires immediate action. Operators must take responsibility for their role in this crisis by adhering to CoR laws, investing in compliance technologies, and fostering a culture of safety. The penalties for failing to do so are severe, but the potential consequences for public safety are even greater. It is time for the industry to step up and ensure that our roads are safe for everyone.
