THE AUSTRALIAN government has thanked the outgoing CEO for the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), Sal Petroccitto, for his leadership in the role.

Mr Petroccitto will finish as CEO on 24 January next year after leading the national regulator for more than a decade.

The NHVR has helped to deliver more than $41 million in Government funding to 169 projects under the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative since the program began in 2016.

The federal government said the program has made an important impact on the heavy vehicle industry, supporting training, educational campaigns, and innovative new technologies.

Federal minister for infrastructure and transport Catherine King said, “I wish Mr Petroccitto all the best for the future, and thank him for his tireless work to achieve better heavy vehicle safety outcomes across the nation”.

“I look forward to continuing to work with the NHVR as we continue to drive a safe, efficient and productive heavy vehicle industry.”

NHVR chair Duncan Gay said Sal was leaving the regulator in great shape following an unheralded period of achievements in establishing a modern and respected national body.

“Sal has worked tirelessly to build industry trust and respect to ensure the modern regulatory approach being implemented by the NHVR will achieve genuine and tangible national safety and productivity reform,” Mr Gay said.

“His no nonsense and practical approach in “saying it as it is” was embraced by industry and a critical part of the partnership and trust he built.

“Under Sal’s leadership, we are now seeing consistent enforcement and education outcomes paving the way for more on-road consistency.”

Mr Petroccitto reportedly informed the NHVR board in October of his decision to resign as CEO.

MP King said an extensive nationwide recruitment process will start in the coming weeks to appoint a new CEO, to be led by the NHVR board.