The Heavy Vehicle National Law, to be introduced on February 10 next year, will create uniform regulations for vehicles weighing more than 4.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass. 

The new National Heavy Vehicle Regulator will administer national fees, access permits and penalties. 

VicRoads transport safety officers Bernie Phelan and Tony Donkers will answer questions from almost 30 of the region’s heavy vehicle operators at Horsham RSL.

Horsham Concrete compliance manager Pauline Schmidt said Wimmera businesses wanted to ensure they met the regulations.

“We weren’t sure what it meant for us so I did a bit of research – it was all a bit confusing,” she said. 

“If I am concerned about it, I imagine a number of my colleagues in the area would also be. 

“We are all busy trying to run our businesses correctly with access to very little information. 

“The community should know that small businesses are trying desperately to do the right thing on the roads.”

A VicRoads spokesman said the information sessions would discuss driver fatigue management, load restrictions, truck rollover prevention and logbooks.

“VicRoads is really pleased that Horsham Concrete has approached us to help boost safety for their staff out on the road,” he said. 

“We will also be updating drivers on the latest from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, which is the transition to a nationwide set of rules and regulations which will make things much easier and clearer for all drivers, particularly those heading interstate.”