Industry consultation to explore fatigue management rules and use of heavy vehicle for personal use
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has launched at a month-long consultation on new exemptions for personal use of heavy vehicles.
Announcing the consultation at the ongoing National Road Transport Association (NatRoad) Conference in Hamilton Island today, NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto says the effort is part of the regulator’s focus on fatigue-related issues.
The consultation will explore “user-friendly exemptions” for managing fatigue and driving a fatigue-related heavy vehicle for personal use.
The exemption will allow operators to use a heavy vehicle outside their regulated driving hours for certain personal tasks or non-revenue activities, such as reaching suitable sleeping accommodation, restocking supplies for a trip, having a meal, and preparing for a trip.
“Under the proposal, operators would be able to use a heavy vehicle for personal use for up to one hour at the end of the day or on a day off,” Petroccitto says.
“Currently a personal-use exemption of up to one hour during a driver’s day off exists in NSW.
“We continue to work closely with the heavy vehicle industry to provide flexibility around fatigue while still maintaining the highest safety standards.”
NHVR reminds operators that existing fatigue laws will continue to remain effective during the consultation period.
The regulator will conduct other coordinated enforcement operations related to fatigue and work diary management.
“The correct management of work and rest times through a Work Diary is the best way to predict and assess a driver’s potential level of fatigue impairment,” Petroccitto says.
“There will also be a number of coordinated enforcement operations taking place across the country in the coming weeks with a specific target on work and rest hours and the correct filling out of a work diary.”
For more information or to leave a submission on the personal use exemption, visit the NHVR website.