Truck drivers who commit a minor fatigue or record keeping offence should have a one-time opportunity to do an online training unit instead of being fined, says ATA CEO Mathew Munro.
He says there needs to be more of a focus on fatigue training, instead of imposing tough penalties for minor mistakes.
“Under the approach we are proposing, a driver who was issued with an infringement notice for a minor fatigue or record keeping offence could undertake an online, nationally recognised work diary unit through the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator,” he says.
“A driver who completed the free unit would be entitled to get the infringement notice withdrawn.”
Munro says the NHVR would keep a register of the drivers who do the course, which they will only be able to complete once.
“The driver would be recognised as completing a nationally recognised unit of competency and would be able to include it in future job applications or even transfer the credit toward a vocational certificate,” he says.
“Our plan would provide training to drivers instead of fining them for simple work diary errors. It would also be cost effective for governments and the NHVR.”
The ATA will put the plan to the NTC, the NHVR and the six state and territory governments that use the Heavy Vehicle National Law.
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