NRFA to tie red ribbons to trucks in silent protest against rego fees and fatigue management laws
May 21, 2010
Owner-driver representative group the National Road Freighters Association (NRFA) has launched a campaign to highlight the impact of higher registration charges.
Fees are due to rise by 4.2 percent from July 1 this year, lifting the price of a B-double to $15,340.
A red ribbon will be tied to trucks to gain community attention to the plight of truck drivers struggling to pay their bills and comply with regulations such as fatigue management law.
Independent Federal MP Bob Katter has backed the campaign and tied a ribbon a truck in Townsville in North Queensland today to kick off the launch.
“The red ribbon campaign is not solely for the trucking industry, we need the community to support our attempts to get a fair go for our truckies and the industries we support and who support us,” NRFA National President Mick Pattel says.
“This whole campaign has been brought about by the ridiculous fatigue regulation and over the top registration and road user charges promoted by the National Transport Commission. Our ability to supply cost efficient and safe transport services is being diminished daily by government interference.”
Pattel says the NRFA has tried to raise its concerns with decision makers.
“We can’t get past the bureaucracy, we can’t get through the door, we can’t talk to these people. That is the biggest problem,” he says.
All governments agreed to raise registration fees and the fuel excise to account for a 10.7 percent rise in government expenditure on the road network.
From July, the excise will increase by 0.9 cents, cutting almost one cent from the diesel rebate the industry can claim.
The Australian Trucking Association opposed the latest cost increases, claiming the industry would be overcharged.
Queensland MP Mike Horan claims the higher fees will jeopardise road safety.
He says the increase will force trucking operators to stop using safe vehicle combinations such as B-doubles.
Pictured above: Bob Katter ties a ribbon to Mick Pattel’s truck in Townsville.