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 instead of receiving a fine, says ATA chief executive Mathew Munro.
He says there needs to be more focus on fatigue training, rather than imposing harsh penalties for minor errors.
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“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,” he says.
“A driver who has completed the free drive will be entitled to have the infringement notice withdrawn.”
Munro says the NHVR will keep a record of drivers who take the course, which they can only complete 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 to a vocational certificate,” he said.
“Our plan would offer training to drivers rather than fining them for simple errors in their work schedule. It would also be cost effective for governments and the NHVR.”
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.
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