Latest news with #NationalHeavyVehicleRegulator
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Outrage after Aussie farmer cops $398 fine for helping drought-stricken neighbour
Aussies are fuming after a farmer recently copped a $398 fine for moving two bales of hay across a road to a help out his drought-stricken neighbour. Graham Thomson, a hay contractor based in Condah, in Victoria's extremely dry southwest, was lugging the sheep feed on his tractor forks when a National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) officer's flashing lights brought him to a halt. The long-time local said he had checked there were no other vehicles in sight before he travelled the 600 metres down the road, and across the Henty Highway. However, Mr Thomson said the officer informed him he wasn't allowed to haul anything on the front-end loader on a public road, and issued him the hefty fine for 'not restraining' the hay. 'I'm meant to have a load binder over them. I've been farming for about 50 years and I didn't know that,' he told Sheep Central, adding the officer said he would need to place the hay on a truck to transport it on the road. 'I didn't say anything, but one minute he says I can't carry anything on the road and then he books me for carrying something on it that's not restrained. So that didn't make sense to me.' The incident — which reportedly occurred the same day a mental health event for farmers was held at the Condah Hotel — has infuriated others, with another local farmer Andy Satchell slamming the decision online. A video uploaded to his Facebook shows the unsecured load in question. 'To say Thommo was upset would be an understatement,' he wrote. 'Surely farmers have a right to keep their livestock fed.' The clip has since gone viral, with thousands of Aussie sharing their frustration over the 'ridiculous' fine. 'Every farmer is breaking the law as soon as they put a round roll or a square bale on those forks to go across a road,' Mr Thomson told Sheep Central. 'The fine was worth more than the value of the hay.' A GoFundMe page set up on Mr Thomson's behalf is raising money to help him fight the fine in court. 'Thommo is choosing to contest the fine in court because he believes that, after 60+ years in the industry, helping a neighbour feed their livestock shouldn't be penalised,' the fundraiser reads. Another aim of the fight is to make sure the voices of famers are heard, the page says. Mr Thomson has requested all excess funds be donated to the National Centre for Farmer Health. 'Due to farmers experiencing environmental factors, such as drought and floods, I'd like any excess funds to go to farmer mental health, as we need to keep the food chain going,' Mr Thomson said. 🚘 Major road rule changes coming into effect on July 1 across Australia 👮 New laws with up to $80,000 fine that many don't know is illegal 🐑 Incredible rural scene brings 'glimmer of hope' to struggling Aussies A NHVR spokesperson told Yahoo News safety on Australian roads is a "top priority" and it's their job to prevent road accidents. 'On 8 June, SCOs intercepted a tractor carrying two double stacked large hay bales on the Henty Highway in Condah, with one of the bales not restrained. The SCOs applied both an engagement and enforcement method, by providing education to the driver on his registration conditions in regard to carrying a load on the highway, and the driver was also issued a minor load restraint infringement for the unrestrained bale,' the spokesperson said. 'Though the NHVR is committed to its 'inform and educate' approach, road safety is always the highest priority and enforcement action may be taken when necessary to help ensure all road users, including both the heavy vehicle driver and other motorists, make it to their destination safely.' According to the state's Heavy Vehicle National Law schedule of penalties, Mr Thomson was hit with the minimum fine for breaching mass, dimension or loading requirements. The maximum penalty is an eye-watering $13,310. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Warning about $15,000 fine after tradie pulled over on rural Aussie road: 'Immediate disbelief'
Authorities were in "immediate disbelief" this week when an east coast truck driver was caught hauling road build materials along with two large, unsecured pipes that were left precariously balanced on top of the vehicle. Australia's National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) warned of the dangers of driving with unsecured loads, after pulling over the tradie in the Mareeba Shire in north Queensland. Speaking to the Yahoo News Australia, a NHVR spokesperson said the penalties for such a dangerous act include fines as high as $15,000. "Due to the severity of the overhang at the vehicle's rear and no load restraint in place," the spokesperson explained. "No immediate penalty or fine was issued as the matter has been referred to our prosecutions unit," they added. The NHVR said Queensland Safety and Compliance Officers promptly intercepted the driver, who had "no reasonable explanation" about their loading methods. "Further checks also found the vehicle to be defective and incorrectly registered," it said. "It's essential to make sure your load is appropriately restrained to keep everyone safe on the road." Unsecured loads on vehicles pose significant safety hazards on Australian roads, leading to accidents, injuries, and fatalities. While national statistics on these incidents are limited, cases like the tragic death of a 53-year-old motorcyclist in Queensland — who was struck by a fallen ladder — highlight the severe consequences of inadequate load restraint. Drivers accused of 'selfish' road act amid widespread trend Motorists warned over road act that carries a fine in every state Unusual load on major road risks whopping fine In 2021, a motorcyclist was killed while swerving to avoid a ladder which fell from a ute on the Pacific Motorway at Nerang. Loose items can become deadly projectiles, endangering drivers, passengers and pedestrians alike. Using appropriate restraints, such as chains, webbing straps, or tensioners, ensures that cargo remains stable during transit. Drivers have been urged to check all items are securely fastened before departure and conduct routine inspections during the journey to ensure restraints have not loosened. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
