Caravanning News - Travellers disregarding rest area rules to cop fines

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JANUARY 2020

Yelgun rest area

Six-month trial in northern NSW

Travellers disregarding rest
area rules to cop fines

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GREY nomads and other travellers who flout new rules at two NSW rest areas could now cop a fine.

Transport for NSW is launching a six-month trial at two facilities on the Pacific Highway to ensure spaces are available for all drivers to rest and manage their fatigue.

Changes at Yelgun rest area, north of Brunswick Heads, and Arrawarra rest area, north of Coffs Harbour, will include the enforcement of fines for light vehicles parked in heavy vehicle spaces or overstaying the four-hour time limit for light and recreational vehicles in other areas.

The state government said some rest areas, particularly on NSW's east coast, had become a popular overnight and longer stay option for recreational vehicles.

"This is causing overcrowding and reducing space for heavy vehicle drivers who have a legal obligation to rest," it said in a statement.

"Rest areas are a shared facility and to accommodate all road users we need to balance everyone's needs for fatigue management. Rest areas are in place for travellers to take a break on their journey and for heavy vehicle drivers to take their mandatory rest breaks."

'Rest areas were not designed for long stays'

It pointed out that rest areas were not designed for long stays and that a four-hour stopping time limit for light and recreational vehicles allowed time for travellers to rest on their journey.

"We encourage light and recreational vehicles staying in the area for longer to access the services of nearby towns away from the highway," it said.

"This not only contributes to the local economy but also offers higher quality facilities, and exposure to local tourist attractions. There are also a range of camping options in regional towns catering to all budgets."

Transport for NSW Northern acting director Vicky Sisson said rest areas were provided to improve road safety and reduce the risk of fatigue for all drivers.

"Heavy vehicle drivers are required by law to take mandatory rest breaks, and because of their size are limited to where they can travel, so it is important that heavy vehicle drivers are able to access dedicated parking spaces to manage their fatigue," she said.

"Light vehicles (passenger and commercial vehicles less than 12 tonnes) will not be permitted to park in heavy vehicle spaces in these two locations and penalties will apply.

“A four-hour parking limit will also be trialled in the general vehicle parking spaces. This time limit allows adequate time for light vehicle motorists to rest.

"We want everyone to remember that rest areas are a shared facility and this trial aims to accommodate the needs of all road users and help everyone on the road manage their fatigue."

Ms Sisson encouraged all drivers to plan their journeys and make sure they're well rested before hitting the road.

"For longer trips share the driving if possible, and plan regular breaks. If you need to pull over and rest, a short 15 to 20 minute nap works best," she said.

"For travellers who are staying in the area for longer than a rest break, there is a wide range of accommodation options in the local area."

Monitoring will be carried out and the results considered as part of any future roll out.

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