Telematics and safety in the spotlight

Telematics and safety seem to be enjoying their moment in the sun, as far as industry focus is concerned.

The Australian Logistics Council (ALC), national body for the freight transport and logistics supply chain industry, released a statement in January signalling its intention to address the issue of mandatory telematics in heavy vehicles through roundtable discussions, as this technology will need to play an integral role in any road funding reform. The roundtable incorporates both government and industry members.

ALC Managing Director Michael Kilgariff said, “As part of this campaign, earlier this month I wrote to all federal, state and territory transport ministers to encourage them to put in place the regulatory and administrative steps needed to advance the mandatory use of telematics in heavy vehicles to improve safety and compliance outcomes.”

No sooner had this statement been released than the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) came out in full support.

NHVR Executive Director for Productivity and Safety Geoff Casey signalled his appreciation of ALC’s commitment to improving the heavy vehicle industry.

“The NHVR agrees with the ALC’s recent statement that data captured from heavy vehicles, with regard to their speed, fatigue and a variety of other measures, can lead to improved safety and compliance outcomes on our roads.

“Regulatory telematics, along with new and innovative technology solutions, provide a significant contribution to achieving and improving safety outcomes for all road users and the community more broadly,” Casey said.

The NHVR believes it is in the interests of industry and operators to voluntarily adopt these technologies as they provide substantial business and safety benefits which assist operators in delivering on being a smarter, safer and more productive industry.

There may be a case for mandating some technologies, including regulatory telematics; however, such a move would require appropriate consultation and discussion with industry and regulatory service providers prior to any decision, according to the NHVR. 

Image credit: © Yurii Bizgaimer/Dollar Photo Club