ATA welcomes new rest area guidelines
Austroads report recommends numerous positive steps for heavy vehicle rest areasThe Australian Trucking Association says the roll-out of new truck rest area guidelines is "welcome news for the trucking industry".
The truck industry's peak representative body has consulted extensively with government road transport and traffic agency Austroads in the lead-up to the release of its report, titled Guidelines for the Provision of Heavy Vehicle Rest Area Facilities'.
The guidelines have been developed in response to calls for updated standards and will assist in the planning, design and prioritisation of truck rest areas. Click here to view the new report.
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"The ATA pushed hard for a number of changes and are pleased to see positive progress and improved standards for our hardworking truck drivers," said ATA CEO, Ben Maguire.
"Moving forward, it's important for all jurisdictions to ensure the guidelines are enforced and to spend the funds the Australian government has allocated."
The report has addressed several key issues including:
• Acknowledging the link between fatigue management and rest area frequency
• Driver security
• The need for bays on level ground and separated from noisy areas to promote sleep
• The need for female drivers to have separate bathroom facilities
Mr Maguire says the ATA is also pleased to see Rod Hannifey's reflector initiative included in the guidelines, which recommends that reflector be used in advance of informal roadside stop that may safely accommodate a truck.
"Rod is a lifetime advocate for road safety and has spent years campaigning for this initiative," he said.
"It's great to see him getting recognition for his hard work."
Heavy vehicle rest areas across the country will be a key issue for discussion at the ATA's Trucking Australia conference, which will be in Perth over April 3-5.
"We'll be hosting an interactive workshop on rest area design and input from drivers is critical," Mr Maguire said.
"I invite all drivers to join us in Perth and contribute to this important discussion."
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