Archive, Industry News

Work diary exemption extended to March

Truck drivers in NSW have been given more time to adopt new work diary rules.

 

Truck drivers in New South Wales have an extra month to adopt new work diary requirements that will bring the state into line with other jurisdictions.

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) says the policy that exempts drivers with basic fatigue management (BFM) or advanced fatigue management (AFM) accreditation from filling out a diary if working within 100km of their base will now expire on March 6.

The provision was due to end on February 9 to align NSW with Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania, which all require drivers working under BFM or AFM to complete a work diary, even if they are operating within 100km of their base.

“The extension until the March 6, 2016 provides some additional time for drivers and businesses using this notice to transition to keeping work diary records,” a spokesperson for the NHVR says.

“This change brings New South Wales into line with all other participating states and territories and will strengthen record keeping obligations for BFM and AFM drivers.  It is also consistent with recent changes to the national primary producers work diary exemption notice, which also requires BFM and AFM drivers to keep a work diary.”

The removal of the exemption is due to coincide with a lengthy education campaign to ensure the industry is informed of its obligations.

“The NHVR is working with Roads and Maritime Services to take an educative approach to enforcement of the new requirements until the end of May, to help drivers transition to the changed work diary requirements,” a statement from the NHVR says.

“Drivers who need to purchase a National Diver Work Diary in NSW can go to any RMS motor registry.”

Photography: Steve Skinner

Previous ArticleNext Article
Send this to a friend