NTC seeks feedback on national pilot scheme

The National Transport Commission is now taking submissions on its discussion paper on a proposed national accreditation scheme for pilot/escort drivers

Submissions are now being taken by the National Transport Commission on its latest discussion paper, titled Harmonisation of Pilot and Escort Vehicle Driver Requirements – National Accreditation Scheme.

The paper follows on from calls from various state and territory road agencies for a national framework governing the use of pilot and escort vehicles for oversize loads. Demand for oversize loads has been growing in recent years, particularly within the mining and agricultural sectors, and so new national guidelines for the movement of such freight have the potential to remove state-based legislative irregularities and streamline procedures.

The NTC’s Chief Executive, Paul Retter, said the body was seeking feedback on the proposed national scheme.

“When oversize and over mass loads are transported, pilot and escort vehicles are employed to guide them and protect the safety of all road users,” he said.

“However, there currently exists significant divergence between the states with respect to the requirements to become a pilot or escort driver, with those qualifications – where they exist – not always recognised across borders.

“We would really like to hear from industry, including pilot and escort drivers, on the proposed scheme and how it should be structured,” said Retter.

“Following the consultation period, NTC will make recommendations for the harmonisation of accreditation requirements and standards to the Transport and Infrastructure Senior Officials Committee, while Austroads will develop an Operational Guideline that provides a finalised, consistent approach to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) to implement and manage.”

To view the discussion paper visit www.ntc.gov.au. Submissions are open until February 21, 2014.

NTC seeks feedback on national pilot scheme

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