SOUTH Australia will be implementing a transition period to help truck drivers get used to the new fatigue management regulations.
The laws being introduced on 29 September 2008 limit drivers to a 12-hour workday. Currently, drivers can drive for 12 hours and work for two additional hours.
The state will be relaxing its enforcement strategy, as well as giving drivers six months of exemptions from the new regulations. It will also extend the Transitional Fatigue Management Scheme (TFMS) from six to 12 months. The scheme allows registrants to drive for longer hours.
A three-month period of the transition will see minor infractions being slapped with warnings rather than fines. Additionally, drivers have been given up to 90 days to obtain new work diaries.
According to the South Australian Road Transport Association (SARTA), the transition period allows operators more time to adjust to the new regulations. Drivers will also be able to decide if they need accreditation in the various fatigue management modules during this time.
The association says this breakthrough with the state government shows legitimate organisations with strong membership bases are the best way of getting results, sniping at the renegade actions of fringe industrial groups.

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