Driver fatigue reform approved

Australia's Transport Ministers have approved a reform which focuses on heavy vehicle driver fatigue.

The changes to the Chain of Responsibility law include safer working practices and stronger powers to prosecute companies that push heavy-vehicle drivers to work illegal schedules. The reform was developed in response to world-leading fatigue research and with extensive consultation with the industry, unions and government.

"This is a world-first reform which focuses on the root cause of driver fatigue, rather than simply regulating hours. Operators who work long hours and night shifts will be required to reduce driver fatigue risks through an audited accreditation scheme," National Transport Commission (NTC) CEO, Nick Dimopoulos said.

"In practice, this means good planning trips and rest breaks, checking records and providing training and education."

Under the new laws, everyone in the supply chain must take "reasonable steps' to prevent driver fatigue. Penalties are considerably increased for offences which pose a serious road safety risk, including court-imposed fines of up to $50,000 and demerit points.

"Customers will be held accountable for dangerous work schedules and long truck queues, which are known to be major causes of fatigue," Dimopoulos said.

"Importantly, this is not a one-size-fits-all reform. An opportunity exists for industry to develop workable fatigue management schemes " endorsed by fatigue experts " tailored to their specific needs, such as remote area livestock transport."