NatRoad supports NSW Road Safety Plan

The National Road Transport Association (NatRoad) has welcomed the New South Wales Government’s road safety plan to increase public education campaigns and vehicle and road safety measures.

NatRoad CEO, Warren Clark, said he was pleased by NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian’s, commitment to working with the road transport industry on reversing the trend in increased truck-related fatalities.

“NatRoad applauds the announcement of the NSW Road Safety Plan,” said Clark.

“The recent fatalities on NSW roads have spread heartache throughout the trucking community. In response, the industry stands together to offer full support to the Government in finding solutions to safety problems.

“Importantly, the plan announced yesterday by the Premier addresses many of the major concerns that have come to light during this important conversation. The outcome is clearly well-considered and will go a long way to improving road safety and the welfare of all road users,” he said.

“We’re especially pleased the Premier has recommended a public awareness campaign and recognised that the solution to reducing heavy vehicle accidents is likely to arise from the behaviour of light vehicle drivers. The trucking community has long been in support of a public awareness campaign but struggled with the large financial resource that is required to fund such an initiative.”

Clark has also expressed a desire to see the measures encompass all road users.

“We would also welcome safety measures applying more broadly, to include light vehicles,” said Clark.

“For example, introducing point-to-point average speed camera detection for all drivers, rather than focusing solely on heavy vehicles, would be an advancement in safety. Speed is a risk, which affects all vehicles and is a major contributor to accidents.

“We look forward to working more closely with the NSW Government to integrate heavy vehicle interests into the road safety strategy,” he said.

(Image: NatRoad CEO, Warren Clark.)