Putting truckies in the driver’s seat on plans for heavy vehicle rest area in Western Sydney
The NSW Government has begun work to deliver a heavy vehicle rest area in Sydney for truck drivers to rest, park, shower and access services.
Currently there are very limited rest areas that are fit for purpose for truck drivers between Pheasants Nest to the south of Sydney and Wyong to the north – a distance of 180 kilometres and nearly two hours driving.
There are other minor rest areas that provide single direction opportunity to stop but have limited facilities, including some with no toilet and wash facilities or capacity to host larger trucks.
This means truck drivers need to take significant detours off the motorways in order to take a break. The NSW Government is calling for feedback from the freight industry and truck drivers to inform the development of the new proposed rest area for Western Sydney.
This area will provide heavy vehicle drivers with a safe and accessible area to rest as part of their journey.
Roads are the workplace for heavy vehicle drivers, and rest areas are important facilities that support driver wellbeing and compliance with mandatory rest breaks.
Options for a rest area are being considered across six local government areas: Blacktown City, Penrith City, Fairfield City, Liverpool City, Camden and Campbelltown City.
Transport for NSW will be engaging with the road freight industry and heavy vehicle drivers, including the potential location, services and facilities, as well as consideration of oversize and dangerous goods requirements.
Heavy vehicle drivers and the road freight industry are invited to participate in an online survey to provide their insights and advice.
To have your say, visit www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/western-sydney-heavy-vehicle-rest-area Consultation will be open until Sunday, 1 October 2023.
The NSW Legislative Council Transport and Arts Committee has also commenced a Parliamentary Inquiry into pressures on heavy vehicle drivers. The Inquiry will explicitly consider how these pressures impact on the use of rest areas and other fatigue management practices.
Make a submission to the Parliamentary Inquiry.
Submissions to the inquiry will be accepted until Monday, 18 of September 2023.