NSW: Trucking companies face tough penalties

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NSW: Trucking companies face tough penalties

By Sheree Went and Natalie Davison

SYDNEY, Dec 1 AAP - Trucking companies who push their drivers into cutting cornersto speed up the delivery of goods face having their rigs deregistered under NSW governmentreforms.

However, the Transport Workers Union (TWU) said the plan was misguided and that retailers,who imposed unrealistic demands on drivers, should be targeted.

Under government proposals, fixed speed cameras that can photograph a truck from frontand behind to maximise identification chances would be implemented and speeding finesincreased.

A three-strike-and-you're-out speeding policy would apply if a driver was booked threetimes and the truck would be taken off the road for a month.

If there was a fourth infringement, the truck would be removed for three months andcould be deregistered.

Transport companies would also be rated with high-risk operators audited and driverswho try to mask registration plates fined $448.

NSW Transport Minister Carl Scully said the reforms, due to start in April, just afterthe March state election, would shift the onus of responsibility onto the transport company.

"Our message to the owners of these rigs is if you are caught three times we will takethat $200,000 semi-trailer off the road and that is going to hurt them," Mr Scully said.

"It is not just the drivers, often it's the drivers being forced to deliver their goodson time or they won't get paid or they'll lose their job."

TWU state secretary Tony Sheldon said the plan was misguided and would still affectthe many owner-drivers operating throughout the state.

"Obviously what the government should be directing its efforts towards is what's causingthe trucking accidents and speeding and that's client scheduling," Mr Sheldon said.

"There is little or no government activity in trying to make clients accountable."

Mr Sheldon said long distance owner-drivers were often forced to drive 72 hours straight.

"These are people who are working for some of the biggest retailers in Australia," he said.

"What the government has announced is more of the same and it's targeting the wrong people."

However, Mr Scully said toughening up on truck owners and operators would force retailersto re-evaluate their delivery requirements.

Mr Scully said holding a retail chain responsible for a truck driver's conduct was difficult.

"That is more difficult, that has been addressed and I think ultimately the supplychain has got to be fully accountable but at this stage we're targeting those who ownand operate the vehicles," Mr Scully.

"I think if we hit the owners and operators they're going to have to also tell theircustomers `look sorry we just can't deliver it in 12 hours, it will be 15 hours'."

AAP swe/ph/sb r

KEYWORD: TRUCKS NIGHTLEAD