Driver assistance tool maps open roadhouses, released alongside daily checklist
The industry response to Covid-19, particularly around driver amenity, has been supplemented by a new National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) online tool that maps service centres, truck stops and roadhouses that remain open during the crisis.
The tool provides information about services and trading hours for service centres right across the country.
It was developed following protocols released by the government and NHVR last week to allow heavy vehicle drivers to continue to access these facilities, CEO Sal Petroccitto says.
“Having access to food, showers, toilets and appropriate rest is critical for drivers to properly manage their fatigue,” he says.
“This new mapping tool will allow drivers to jump online and see quickly which facilities are still operational and providing these important services, allowing them to plan routes and breaks.
“We’ve worked with major retailers to develop this tool quickly, to support drivers at a time of significant demand for some freight supply chains.”
Western Roads Federation (WRF) CEO Cam Dumesny says the map would ensure continued support for smaller and remote roadhouses.
“In any state with vast distances, these facilities are critical to allow our drivers to get a proper rest, a feed and get on with the job of moving freight safely,” he says.
“It’s also important that both retailers and drivers are required to follow hygiene and social distancing guidelines to ensure the continued health and wellbeing of all workers and drivers.”
Dumesny also thanked WA Freight and Logistics Council chair Nicole Lockwood for enabling WA’s data to be contributed to the NHVR map in order to create a national solution.
The map can be accessed here and will also be available through the NHVR Route Planner shortly, the regulator notes.
It adds however that the information has been provided by retailers and heavy vehicle operators and may not be comprehensive, encouraging any gaps to be filled by the public via contact with the regulator.
NHVR has also warned of maintaining safe practices during the pandemic
In addition, the NHVR’s Daily Checklist has been relaunched to assist with vehicle inspections ahead of the Easter long weekend, provided a series of steps to undertake at the start of every shift.
“Drivers are responsible for ensuring that their vehicle is roadworthy, particularly if they are part of a supply chain that is busy before and after the Easter long weekend,” Petroccitto says.
“The latest version of the Daily Checklist has been updated following industry feedback to include checking engine and drivetrain warnings and checking all couplings and connectors are correctly attached.
“This guide continues to lists a range of items and areas that can be covered in a daily check of a heavy vehicle. These can be expanded or tailored to the needs of each heavy vehicle business.”
The list is available here.
Additional items and areas to check can be obtained from the National Heavy Vehicle Inspection Manual which contains a full list of components and their inspection criteria. It can be found at www.nhvr.gov.au/nhvim