Owner/Driver #339

Improvement notice follows NHVR raid
Emissions control and
‘remapping’ at core
of Sunshine Coast
investigation
A NATIONAL HEAVY VEHICLE REGULATOR (NHVR)
investigation into a Sunshine Coast operator has
produced evidence of engine tampering.
The unnamed company is now subject to an
improvement notice.
A joint investigation between NHVR and
Queensland Police Service officers confirmed the
emissions control system on one of the company’s
trucks had been switched off, while the control
system on a second vehicle had been ‘remapped’
to allow increased emissions, the regulator
explains.
The parties entered the unnamed company’s
premises earlier this year.
NHVR executive director statutory compliance
Ray Hassall says tampering with an engine
control unit (ECU) is a serious breach of the Heavy
Vehicle National Law (HVNL).
“Engine remapping is a serious offence and
a direct threat to public health, safety and the
environment,” Hassall says.
“The Improvement Notice compels the operator
to have the remainder of its fleet checked by
inspectors authorised to examine specific engine
makes and models.
“The operator is now fully aware of the need to
comply with the HVNL and of its responsibilities
to drivers, the community and the environment.
“We’ll continue to work with the operator to
ensure compliance with the notice and any
further directions.”
ownerdriver.com.au
APRIL 2021 19