Covid test rule eases in south as driver of truck struggles with permit in north
The Covid-compliance situation on state borders remains changeable and challenging for all involved.
The South Australian Road Transport Association (SARTA) reports state police advice of a roll-back of testing requirements for heavy-vehicle drivers to seven day cycle from three-day cycle – except for furniture removalists.
This was with immediate effect from 1.15pm.
SARTA noted that the requirement returns testing to the standard requirement, depending on the Restriction level, for a test within 24 hours of entry unless proof can be shown of a test within the prior seven days.
Because furniture removalists have close contact with householders, the requirement remains for a test within 24 hours unless there is proof of a test in the prior 48 hours.
“This change is a great result of SARTA’s professional and effective work with the Government and agencies,” the state industry body stated on facebook.
“We continue to pursue the other issues re access to test sites and longer hrs of operation etc.”
SARTA advised members and their drivers to have patience if dealing with police officers applying the old rule, given that the order was so new.
The latest SA Police advice on furniture removalists released late today can be found here.
Read AFRA’s defence of its removalist members, here
Advice on patience may have been of help on the Queensland border with New South Wales yesterday.
A 43-year-old man was issued with four infringements following a heavy vehicle traffic stop at Wallangalla in the Southern Downs Region, the Queensland Police force reported.
It will be alleged that, at 11.30am, when police requested the driver produce documentation, he produced two invalid passes.
Police will further allege the driver became abusive, striking parts of his truck with his fists.
“When the intercepting officer advised the driver, he would be turned around to NSW, he allegedly ignored three requests to produce his driver’s licence,” the force said.
“It will be alleged when the driver saw an infringement notice being issued, he performed a U-turn, almost hitting the intercepting officer and leaving black tyre tracks while driving away at speed.
“The truck was followed to a service station in NSW where he was again spoken to however it is alleged he refused to get out of the cab and began throwing items out of the driver’s seat window.
“Police managed to negotiate with the driver, explained his border pass requirements and helped him complete a new pass.”
He has been issued with one Fail to Comply – Covid 19 Border Direction, and three traffic infringement notices for fail to produce a driver’s licence, fail to wear seatbelt and conducting a U-turn over a single or double white line.
Investigations are said to be ongoing.