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South Eastern Freeway Heavy Vehicle Safety Review – what we've done so far

The safety measures currently in place on the South Eastern Freeway include increased signage, reduced speeds for heavy vehicles and covering the costs of towing heavy vehicles from safety ramps. The South Australian Government has implemented the following initiatives as part of the review.

Updated education material provided to Heavy Vehicle operators

We worked with heavy vehicle operators to run an education campaign that targeted local and interstate heavy vehicle operators. The campaign included education material about safety and legislative obligations and important safety information. This information was updated on the Department’s South Eastern Freeway web pages, the MyLicence website and the South Australian government’s Information and Services website (SA.GOV.AU).

We also worked with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) to provide updated education material to heavy vehicle fleet operators.

Enhanced communication to Heavy Vehicle operators

We are providing enhanced communication to drivers through an update of the existing RAVNet Heavy Vehicle Network route website and the NHVR National Network Map to highlight the freeway descent with supporting information.

The Department also launched a new South Eastern Freeway heavy vehicle information webpage to further assist heavy vehicle operators with education, awareness and other communication materials with information and important reminders about heavy vehicle safety and legislative obligations.

Improved training for heavy vehicle operators

On 20 February 2025, the following improvements to heavy vehicle driver competency took effect:

  • An ongoing Multi-Combination (MC) Licence Program that allows drivers to participate in a structured learning program with the support of their employer, and
  • South Australia no longer recognises overseas heavy vehicle driving experience toward obtaining a MC licence, except for drivers from New Zealand because the training and driving conditions are similar to those in Australia

In addition to the above, new training manuals and learner guides are being rolled out for all heavy vehicle licence classes. Importantly, including mandated hills training as part of all Heavy Vehicle training and assessments via the Competency Based Training and Assessment and Vehicle on Road Test here in South Australia.

New updated theory components have also been developed and rolled out for delivery by the industry for all Multi Combination upgrades and Training in Lieu of Experience Heavy Combination students.

Enhanced compliance powers for the NHVR

In 2024, regulation changes enabled the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) to make u-turns on the freeway to help with enforcement and monitoring of heavy vehicle compliance, and to ensure the safety of all road users.

Contact

Engagement Team