It can be a long way between rest areas!
As Australia’s roads get busier and awareness of the dangers of driver fatigue grows, there is an increasing focus being put on the use – and misuse – of roadside rest areas.
Among the ‘problems’ identified by roads authorities are travellers ‘camping’ in roadside stops that are not designed for the purpose, and caravans and motohomes parking in areas that have been designated for use by heavy goods vehicles.
In New South Wales, the Roads and Maritime Services has launched an audit of rest areas, saying it is committed to providing motorists with the opportunity to take appropriate breaks and to avoid fatigue.
One problem it has identified very early in the process is that of grey nomads and other travellers staying overnight in places where ‘camping’ is prohibited, or staying longer than the specified time.
More signage has been erected at rest areas throughout the state indicating whether or not overnight stays are allowed.
“We understand that people have planned their journeys around stopping at these free areas,” a Roads and Maritime Services spokesperson said. “We are just asking them to plan more and make themselves better acquainted with the options … there are plenty of free and low cost camping areas around.”
The authority says tourists seeking to stop for a short break at rest areas shouldn’t be prevented from doing so because others have effectively set up camp. However, it stresses it is individual local councils which enforce restrictions at roadside rest areas. It says some authorities – particularly those in inland areas – are more accepting of rest area camping, while those in coastal areas may police their areas more rigorously.
There is also growing concern among the trucking fraternity that large caravans and motorhomes are increasingly using heavy vehicle rest areas. Where truckies are mandated by law to take breaks at particular times and there are sometimes huge distances between suitable stops, this is causing real concern.
The regulations are clear. The Northern Territory’s Department of Transport, for example, states very clearly that ‘light vehicle motorists are not to use truck parking bays except in an emergency’.
Yet, it seems that some grey nomads and other travellers are flouting the rules.
“On some busy freight routes, such as the Newell Highway, drivers may not be able to take their planned break because other vehicles are using the heavy vehicle parking bays,” said Kathleen Bakon, from the Australian Trucking Association. “The driver is forced to keep going and can be subject to heavy fines.”
The association is appealing for all RV users to show more consideration to truckies.
