How technology can be used to manage Chain of Responsibility compliance

Many transport and logistics businesses actively use technology to drive business management and efficiency. There is a growing recognition that the same or similar technology can also be used by businesses to monitor, manage and demonstrate compliance with the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL). In this article, we look at how technology fits within the compliance framework. In particular, we consider how it can be used to help demonstrate compliance by providing evidence of 'all reasonable steps'.

The compliance framework

Under the HVNL, businesses must take 'all reasonable steps' to ensure that Chain of Responsibility (CoR) breaches do not occur. The HVNL does not set out an exhaustive list of what will constitute 'all reasonable steps'. Instead, it includes a list of matters that a court may consider in deciding whether all reasonable steps have been taken. Some of these matters may be addressed by using technology.