Regulator notes industry interest in the product is growing
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) says it is eager to have the first qualified Electronic Work Diary (EWD) system available to market – but not before some kinks are ironed out from applications currently being assessed for approval.
EWDs are an electronic device or system, required to be approved by the regulator, that monitor and record the work and rest times of a driver as a voluntary alternative to the written work diary.
The EWD Policy Framework and Standards were developed in association with technology providers, transport operators and police and subject to comprehensive review and consultation.
The EWD standards document was released by the NHVR in November 2017
NHVR executive director safety standards and assurance Geoff Casey says the current round of applications were of a varying quality after a number of earlier applications had fallen short of requirements.
“NHVR officers have recently met with a number of technology providers to ensure they are clear about our requirements for regulatory EWDs and to better facilitate the assessment so they can finalise their applications,” Casey says.
“Applications range from an app that can be used on a tablet to a hardware solution that is similar to some of the existing non-regulatory NHVR approved electronic recording systems currently being used by operators.”
Casey adds while the regulator is keen to see the first approved system enter the market, it was important to ensure that the system was fit for purpose.
“A number of applications are missing important features, such as the ability to correct errors, that are designed to take pressure off drivers using EWDs.
“We will continue to work with technology providers and transport operators to progress their applications.”
There is currently no application fee to apply for approval of an EWD and any approved EWDs will be listed on the NHVR website.