ATA wants a rest area constructed near M4 and M7, calling it "one of the industry’s highest rest area priorities"
The Australian Trucking Association’s (ATA) NSW branch is pushing for a new rest area to be constructed between key motorways to stop truck drivers from having to rest on the side of the road.
ATA NSW Manager Jill Lewis is working with Blacktown City Council to secure funding for rest areas near the intersection of the M4 and the M7.
Lewis is questioning why the State Government has not constructed any rest areas in the Blacktown region when it is home to the biggest distribution centre in NSW.
She says the area is a hub of heavy vehicle activity that will only grow as more land becomes available for dealerships and repairers to expand.
“It concerns me that dozens of trucks are currently forced to park in side streets to ensure that they abide by the law and rest up before continuing on their journey,” Lewis says.
These drivers need a suitable area with bathroom and eating facilities to take mandatory rest breaks.”
Lewis wants the new rest area located near the junction of the M4 and M7, which she says is just outside the urban region but still in reach of Port Botany.
“Drivers can deliver or collect from Port Botany or from one of the hundreds of the distribution centres, rest up and be fresh to complete their journey back down the Hume,” Lewis says.
According to Lewis, the rest area has been designated by the ATA NSW “as one of the industry’s highest rest area priorities”.
However, she says it only came to her attention following a meeting with Blacktown City Council.
“ATA NSW plans to work with Blacktown City Council and other councils in NSW to make sure we secure the funding or attract potential investors for this vital rest area,” Lewis says.