ATA proposes online training instead of fines for work diary errors. Image: NHVR
Truck drivers who commit a minor infraction related to fatigue or record keeping should be given a one-time opportunity to complete an online training unit rather than being fined, ATA chief executive Mathew Munro said.
Munro said there needed to be more focus on fatigue training, rather than imposing harsh penalties for minor errors.
“Under the approach we propose, a driver who has been issued with an infringement notice for a minor fatigue or record-keeping offence would be able to keep a nationally recognised online work diary through the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR),” Mathew said.
“A driver who has completed the free drive will be entitled to have the infringement notice withdrawn.
Munro said the NHVR would keep a record of drivers who had undertaken the course. Drivers would only be able to undertake the course once.
“The driver would be recognized for having completed a nationally recognized unit of competency and could 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 errors in their work schedule. It would also be cost effective for governments and the NHVR,” said Mathew.
The ATA will submit the plan to the NTC, the NHVR and the six state and territory governments that use the National Heavy Vehicle Act.
The NHVR this month began random mechanical inspections of about 8,500 trucks, buses and other special vehicles at fixed inspection sites and at roads and depots across the country.
The checks will be carried out as part of the regulator’s 2024 National Road Traffic Inspection Survey (NRS), which is expected to last around 12 weeks.
The NHVR says inspections take an average of 45 minutes to complete and will include a detailed visual inspection and testing of mechanical components via vehicle inspection equipment.
