National consistency for Heavy Vehicles

17-09-2015

The nation's heavy vehicle and freight industries will continue to benefit from further reductions in red tape with the passing of the Heavy Vehicle National Law Amendment Bill, 2015.

The Bill ensures consistency across participating states and territories in the rules and regulations applied to heavy vehicles, operators and their drivers.

National Heavy Vehicle Regulator CEO, Sal Petroccitto said the Bill contains a number of amendments which provide a reduction in paperwork and deliver a much needed boost in productivity to the heavy vehicle industry and those industries which they support.

"Amendments to the electronic work diary (EWD) requirements were made to enable consistent implementation and deliver productivity benefits to industry. There were also changes made to a number of penalty provisions to ensure harmonisation across industry.

"EWD address industry inefficiencies and provide a paperless option for heavy vehicle drivers.

"EWD differ to existing commercial electronic fatigue management systems as they provide greater flexibility for the mounting national freight task while meeting the driver's regulatory requirements.

"Their implementation will facilitate an efficient and effective method of managing fatigue compliance.

"The NHVR is collaborating with industry and partner agencies to build a safe, productive and innovative heavy vehicle industry.

"We are working with industry to develop innovative technological solutions to enhance safety and sharpen productivity outcomes and the EWD is just one of a number of initiatives the NHVR is putting in place to ensure heavy vehicles operate safely on our roads", said Mr Petroccitto.

The heavy vehicle and freight industries operate across multiple state and territory borders and these improvements offer a consistent and uniform framework.

 

Contact: Jillian Bagnall | 0419 092 510