National Transport Insurance (NTI) has welcomed publication of the first phase of a major review of heavy vehicle roadworthiness.

The report, led by the National Transport Commission and National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, was sparked by a fatal fuel tanker crash last year in Mona Vale, Sydney.

It will assess inspection regimes and accreditation schemes with the aim of improving roadworthiness and reducing deaths and injuries.

Phase one reports on current practice. Phase two, which is scheduled to be submitted to transport ministers in November, will test the integrity of current systems and recommend reforms.

NTI’s GM Sales & Distribution Mike Edmonds told insuranceNEWS.com.au the company is fully behind the review.

“We like to see governments doing something,” he said. “They have got on the front foot and this review certainly needs to be done.”

Mr Edmonds says the review has already identified anomalies that need to be rectified, including conflicts of interest where operators are free to select and consult with auditors.

“You can have the same person preparing a company for an audit, and then carrying out the audit,” he says. “There is no independence.”

Lack of consistency between different states and territories is also a problem.

“A truck could be in three states in one day and have to abide by three different regimes,” Mr Edmonds said.

“The good thing is these issues have been highlighted. Now we want them to close these gaps where possible.”