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No Rest For The Weary On F6


No Rest For The Weary On F6

Author: NRMA Media Date: 17 February 2009

NRMA Motoring & Services local Director Michael Tynan today called for governments to upgrade rest areas to cater for the needs of truck drivers on the F6/Princes Highway.

"Heavy vehicle driver fatigue reforms were introduced last year specifically designed to improve safety by forcing drivers to take breaks or face fines," Mr Tynan said.

"Currently, there is a serious lack of rest areas suitable for truckies along the F6 and Princes Highway. What good are laws if adequate infrastructure isn't in place for truckies to stop and rest?

"The Bureau of Transport and Regional Economics has stated that the number of trucks on NSW roads will double in the next decade.

"We need more rest stops in place to cope with the anticipated increase in trucks and keep all motorists safe on the road.

"The F6 in particular is heavily used by trucks, transporting freight to and from Port Kembla."

The Australian and New Zealand Road Transport and Traffic Authorities (Austroads) defines that a 'major rest area' must contain at least 15 parking spaces, separate parking for heavy and light vehicles and cater for long rest breaks.

Alarmingly, the complete length of the Princes Highway (530km) does not have one 'major rest area' along the entire route that complies with the Austroads spacing requirements.

According to RTA rest area maps, there is no rest area with toilet facilities between Sydney and Nowra that truckies can access.

Mr Tynan said this was unacceptable - particularly when up to 30 per cent of fatal heavy vehicle crashes are linked to fatigue.

"On the other hand, the Government expects truck drivers to comply with new fatigue reforms," Mr Tynan said.

"As well as more toilet facilities, the NRMA believes better signposting of facilities and distances between rest areas is needed.

"The trucking industry provides a vital source of food and supplies - not only for NSW but for the rest of the country - and urgent action is needed to provide enough places for truck and car drivers to stop along NSW highways."

The NRMA also welcomed yesterday's announcement that the overpass at the bottom of Bulli Pass will be completed by 2011.

Mr Tynan said it was a win for motorists' safety - including truck drivers - who also use the steep access road.

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