etruck.com.au

ATA NSW say they fear trucking operators in NSW will be left helpless when the new fatigue management regulations come into operation on September 29th if road agencies do not work to address the inadequate number of rest areas on NSW highways.

With less than three months to go until the implementation of the new laws, ATA NSW Manager, Jill Lewis says she is still waiting on a response from the NSW RTA and State Roads Minister, Eric Roosendaal, to address her request for road agencies to turn their attention to the shortage of rest areas.

“The lack of interest from the NSW Government and the NSW RTA in dealing with this issue will have dire consequences for NSW trucking operators,” Lewis said.

Lewis said ATA NSW has been constantly writing to Minister Roosendaal and the NSW RTA in an urgent attempt to have the issue addressed before the 29th September.

“Our truck drivers will be deemed to be breaking the law if they continue to drive over 5 hours at any one time,” Lewis said. “Are we expected to tell them to pull up on the side of the road or keep driving until they reach suitable rest areas?”

Lewis has also expressed her frustration over the number of existing but inadequate rest areas.

“Some of the truck rest areas do not have water or clean toilet facilities and many are not large enough to accommodate more than one or two trucks,” Lewis said.

Lewis fears it will come down to drivers having to break the law in order to stay safe and return home to their families.

“This is not good enough; the NSW Government and Government agencies must at least agree to meet with us and get the ball rolling on getting this problem fixed,” she said. “ATA NSW has said on many occasions that we are extremely willing to work with the Government to help deliver a safe and efficient road transport network. Time is now running out and the chain of responsibility must be extended to the Government.”