More rest areas and improved facilities are urgently needed on Australia‘s roads, the Australian Trucking Association (ATA) has said.

In this election campaign, the ATA is calling for new, more frequent and better rest areas that meet the needs of the trucking industry.

“Truck drivers must meet legal fatigue requirements and make use of truck rest areas to meet their obligations. This is not optional,” ATA CEO Ben Maguire said.  

“Our roads and rest areas are a driver‘s workplace, so it‘s critical they are provided with appropriate facilities to ensure a safe journey.

“There are not enough rest areas on our roads and many are in shocking condition,” he said.

Maguire said too many rest areas do not even include basic amenities like toilets, lights, water and shade.

“It‘s simply not good enough,” he said.

The ATA has released social media videos with the Shadow Assistant Minister for Road Safety Glenn Sterle, Liberal Senator Jim Molan and Centre Alliance Senate candidate Skye Kakoschke-Moore about their views on the need for improved and more frequent heavy vehicle rest areas.

“The next government needs to listen and take action,” Maguire said.

While there has been boosted investment recently, Maguire said there still needs to be more.

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