Transport for NSW (TfNSW) has received feedback from the state’s trucking industry about a planned purpose-built heavy vehicle rest area for Western Sydney drivers.
The survey of truckies has asked for their top priorities when it comes to rest stopping and fatigue management ahead of progress being seen on the new rest area.
Currently, TfNSW says there are limited rest areas that are fit for purpose for truck drivers over a distance of 180 kilometres and nearly two hours driving between Pheasants Nest to the south of Sydney and Wyong to the north.
The views of more than 800 long-haul B-double and semi-trailer drivers have been published in an engagement report on what needs to be done to better support rest stopping in Western Sydney.
The verdict was safety and security remain as the highest priority, with this focus including ensuring the safety of female drivers and providing separate toilet and shower facilities.
Drivers raised the need for adequate lighting and security, including CCTV cameras, and a preference for separate parking bays for sleeping and long rest breaks, particularly at night.
The minimum services and facilities required for a rest area are flushing toilets, clean drinking water, hot showers, ample available parking, including secluded bays for sleeping, shade and food and takeaway options of both fresh and fast food.
More than 85 per cent of truck drivers surveyed say they’re willing to drive up to five minutes from their route to access rest facilities.
Feedback was gathered at a roundtable discussion along with online and in-person surveys with industry and stakeholders.
The options being considered for a proposed rest area include six local government areas in Blacktown City, Penrith City, Fairfield City, Liverpool City, Camden and Campbelltown City.
TfNSW says it’s currently investigating potential site options for the rest area, with industry preferences on location, land size and facilities all being considered.