National Transport Commission (NTC) Chief Executive Nick Dimopoulos said, “Enforcement efforts have traditionally targeted drivers at the roadside and only treat the symptoms of speeding, not the cause. We want all parties in the logistics chain to share the responsibility for road safety. The reform is about establishing a culture where speeding is not tolerated, giving drivers a greater say in their schedules, and allowing plenty of time to do the job. Many companies already do this and they deserve to compete on a level playing field.”
Penalties include court-imposed corporate fines of up to $50,000, plus three times the estimated commercial benefit gained by breaking the law. Road agencies can also ask the court to impose bans and prohibition orders, such as the fitment of vehicle tracking technology. All governments have agreed to implement the model Chain of Responsibility laws for speed compliance within 12 months.
The Australian Trucking Association has questioned the lack of employer notification provisions within the new laws. According to ATA chief executive Stuart St Clair, "The owner of the vehicle needs to be notified when a speeding fine is issued as well as the driver to ensure that the feedback loop between the owner and the driver remains clear." The need for effective compliance with speed management will be addressed at the upcoming ATA Safety Summit, to be held in conjunction with the Australian Trucking Convention in May.
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