Selfish caravanners to cop fines

RV travelers who park overnight in truck-only rest stops in NSW could face fines as part of a new government authority crackdown in that state.

Transport for NSW is conducting a six-month trial at two rest stops on the Pacific Highway to ensure spaces are available for all drivers to rest and manage their fatigue.

Rest area parking restrictions will be introduced from this week-end at the Yelgun rest area, north of Brunswick Heads, and Arrawarra rest area, north of Coffs Harbour.

Related reading:
ATA welcomes new rest area guidelines
$2.2b road safety budget boost
NTI and NHVR call for responsible use of rest areas

Fines will be issued for light vehicles parked in heavy vehicle spaces as well as those flouting four-hour timed restrictions.

“Light vehicles – passenger and commercial vehicles less than 12 tonnes – will not be permitted to park in heavy vehicle spaces in these two locations and penalties will apply,” TFNSW acting director northern Vicky Sisson said.

“A four-hour parking limit will also be trialled in the general vehicle parking spaces. This time limit allows adequate time for light vehicle motorists to rest.

“We want everyone to remember that rest areas are a shared facility – this trial aims to accommodate the needs of all road users and help everyone on the road manage their fatigue,” she said.

“Heavy vehicle drivers are required by law to take mandatory rest breaks, and because of their size are limited to where they can travel, so it is important that heavy vehicle drivers are able to access dedicated parking spaces to manage their fatigue.”

The move follows rising tensions between truckies and RV travelers at increasingly crowded roadside rest areas, with a number of ‘share the road’ initiatives introduced to address the issue including government-funded education programs.

The results of the six month trial will be reviewed in light of a potential future roll-out.