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Legal issues seminar for transport operators

By City of Latrobe - 12th April 2005 - Back to News

To help explain the legal implications associated with inspections and search provisions relating to heavy vehicles throughout Victoria, and the possible implications of proposed Chain of Responsibility legislation, a special seminar will be conducted next week.

To be organised by the Latrobe City Transport Network, the guest speaker will be Mr Derry Ashton, a senior investigator with the Roads Corporation of Victoria.

"Both the Victorian Police and the Roads Corporation have, for some time, been deeply concerned at the consequence of fatigue with respect to drivers of heavy vehicles," Mr Ashton said.

There are enormous costs associated with fatigue related accidents, both personal and financial. Additionally, the cost impact of excessively loaded heavy vehicles on Victoria’s road infrastructure is an ongoing problem, Mr Ashton added.

"Prior to 1 July 2003, both state authorities had limited legislative ability to obtain relevant information on which to undertake thorough investigations into these serious matters.

"However, on 1 July 2004, the Road Safety Act 1986 was comprehensively amended to empower both authorities to inspect and search both vehicles and premises to obtain the relevant information. These inspections can relate to all aspects of the operation of heavy vehicles throughout Victoria and a number of such investigations have resulted in a significant increase in the prosecution of fatigue and mass related offences."

Network co-ordinator, Gail Robertson said the Latrobe City Transport Network is a joint initiative of the Victorian Government StreetLife program and Latrobe City. "This is the second of a series of seminars conducted by the network, which was formed to gain a better understanding of the transport industry and its true economic worth to the local economy," Ms Robertson said.

"Derry will also cover the possible implications of proposed chain of responsibility legislation expected to be introduced in the spring parliament with specific reference to driving hours and mass compliance. This is a whole new world for our transport industry," Ms Robertson said.

Local cartage contractor Peter Greaves urged all those involved in the transport industry to attend the seminar. "Not only is it important that all in our industry make themselves aware of the impending legislation and how it will impact on their business, but this is a great opportunity to support the network and the initiatives shown by Latrobe City to improve safety on our roads for all users," Mr Greaves said.

The seminar will be held on Tuesday 19 April in the Latrobe City Function Room, Kay Street, Traralgon with registrations at 6pm for a 6.30 pm start. The cost is $10 to cover refreshments.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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