National Transport Commission expands on its evaluation of electronic work diaries
By Steve Skinner | July 17, 2013
The National Transport Commission (NTC) is examining how telematics technology might be used for compliance and enforcement on speed and mass.
Telematics is the capture, transmission and remote storage of truck and trailer data.
The NTC says a discussion paper on a framework for policy certainty on telematics is due out before the end of the year.
As for telematics and driving hours, a pilot of electronic work diaries led by the New South Wales Roads and Maritime Services recently finished after a couple of years.
Australia’s transport ministers rated it a success. They asked the NTC and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator to come up with a report on electronic work diaries as a voluntary alternative to the old paper work diary.
NTC Manager of Policy, Compliance and Technology Marcus Burke (pictured) says the diaries have strong advantages for drivers, such as warning them when they are about to run out of hours and helping them eliminate honest mistakes.
“The pilot certainly showed that the technology is feasible…and most drivers were supportive,” Burke says.
“They’re also a way for operators to potentially distinguish themselves in the market by demonstrating that they’re meeting a high standard of safety and compliance.”
Check out the next editions ATN and Owner//Driver for more on technology.
