Truck drivers who commit a minor fatigue or record-keeping offence should have a one-time opportunity to do an online training unit instead of being fined, said ATA CEO Mathew Munro.
Munro said there needed to be more focus on fatigue training, instead of imposing tough penalties for minor mistakes.
“Under the approach we are proposing, a driver who was issued with an infringement notice for a minor fatigue or record keeping offence could undertake an online, nationally recognised work diary unit through the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator [NHVR],” Mathew said.
“A driver who completed the free unit would be entitled to get the infringement notice withdrawn.
Munro said the NHVR would maintain a register of the drivers who had done the course. Drivers would only be able to do the course once.
“The driver would be recognised as completing a nationally recognised unit of competency, and would be able to include it in future job applications or even transfer the credit toward a vocational certificate,” he said.
“Our plan would provide training to drivers instead of fining them for simple work diary errors. It would also be cost effective for governments and the NHVR,” Mathew said.
The ATA will put the plan to the NTC, the NHVR and the six state and territory governments that use the Heavy Vehicle National Law.
The NHVR kicked off random mechanical inspections of approximately 8500 trucks, buses, and other special purpose vehicles at roadside and fixed inspection sites and depots across the country this month.
The checks will be undertaken as part of the regulator’s 2024 National Roadworthiness Survey (NRS) which is expected to take around 12 weeks.
The NHVR says the inspections take an average of 45 minutes to complete, and will include a detailed visual inspection and mechanical component testing via vehicle inspection equipment.
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