Transport Certification Australia Limited (TCA), the organisation administering the Intelligent Access Program (IAP), has been engaged to develop the performance-based specification and test protocols for an electronic fatigue and speed management system.
In its 7 November 2008 Joint Communiqué, the Australian Transport Council (ATC) stated that Transport Ministers had agreed to develop an ‘Australian performance-based specification for electronic devices to monitor heavy vehicle speed and fatigue’. The decision reflects strategic opportunities identified by Ministers to utilise current and emerging technologies to advance safety and productivity in the road freight sector and the need to develop electronic solutions to speed and fatigue management practices.
TCA Chief Executive Officer, Chris Koniditsiotis welcomed the news: “Governments have demonstrated 21st Century thinking in their approach to road safety and fatigue management. The TCA will work closely with the National Transport Commission (NTC) to deliver the specification to the ATC in 2009.
“This work will give Ministers the ability to consider a practical effect to the enabling provisions contained in the Heavy Vehicle Driver Fatigue Management Reforms which came into effect in a number of States on 29 September 2008.”
The TCA plans to consult with industry and stakeholders throughout the process. “It’s important that we consult all key stakeholders early in the process. That includes the telematics sector, transport operators, the logistics sector and government,” said Mr Koniditsiotis, “so as to ensure that the report delivers the best possible outcome for all concerned.”
“TCA recognises that the technology is already commercially available; there is no desire to reinvent the wheel. Our role is to build a framework around what already exists, allowing Road Traffic Agencies to approve systems which meet both the Transport Operator and regulators needs.”
The draft specification is due to be delivered to the ATC for Ministerial consideration in late 2009.
Media enquiries
Bronwyn Howe
Marketing and Communications Officer
(03) 8601 4684