New heavy vehicle laws have exemption policy: Saffin
The new Federal legislation of Heavy Vehicle Fatigue (HVDF) Law will come into effect on September 29 and the NSW Government will have a ‘phase in’ period to comply of six months to enter one of the new national systems, Member for Page Janelle Saffin said.
“However, the new law allows the RTA to grant exemptions to a class of people or vehicles depending on their special circumstances,” she said.
“The RTA is preparing its exemption policy and will take into consideration the situation of volunteer drivers.
“Any exemption policy will be publicised to the community prior to implementation.”
Ms Saffin said after a number of representations and discussions with local volunteer organisations and drivers ‘I support their exemption’.
“Members of the National Party should be aware of these laws and exemptions as they were endorsed by the Australian Transport Council, chaired by Mark Vaile, under the Howard Government more than 12 months ago,” Ms Saffin said.
One of the key benefits of the reform is to improve heavy vehicle safety by better managing fatigue and speed in the transport industry by ensuring drivers of heavy vehicles and buses with more than 12 adult seats must carry and complete a work diary.
Member for Ballina Don Page last week raised concerns over the new regulations.
“I have been approached by a number of volunteer bus drivers who may be adversely affected by the new regulations,” Mr Page said.
“The new regulation in question will require all heavy vehicle drivers to complete and carry with them at all times a detailed work diary.
“Generally I support these regulations where they apply to professional drivers. They are being implemented to combat driver fatigue and the associated deadly consequences.
“However, there are a large number of volunteer drivers who donate their time and services to organisations such as aged care facilities on an irregular basis who should be exempt from the onerous requirement of completing and carrying a detailed work diary.
“These people give up their time to provide an invaluable community service.”
