The brave new world of electronically recording driver rest and working hours is coming closer to reality with the latest announcement from Transport Certification Australia. The agency has announced work has now commenced on the implementation of Electronic Work Diaries (EWD) with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR).
According to the TCA, EWD’s are a road transport safety reform providing for improved productivity, enabled through advances in the use of telematics, and the availability of the National Telematics Framework.
“The implementation of EWD will represent yet another application of the National Telematics Framework, in addition to the existing regulatory and commercial applications already available through the Framework, consistent with the direction endorsed by Ministers in 2008,” said Chris Koniditsiotis, TCA CEO. “This means that the introduction of EWD will ensure transport operators do not need to purchase new, stand-alone systems or technologies, subject to decisions by telematics providers to offer EWD services.
“With the passage of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) Amendment Bill through the Queensland Parliament in mid-September 2015, the legal enablers to implement EWD for use by transport operators, to replace the need for paper-based work diaries, are now in place. The commencement of the implementation of EWD follows a significant amount of planning by TCA and the NHVR.”
“As this is a major technological and regulatory reform, the implementation of EWD will involve coordinated activities not only between TCA and the NHVR, but with road and transport agencies, police and other stakeholders. TCA will continue to engage with both the transport and telematics industries during the implementation of EWD. As a regulatory telematics application, EWD services will be certified by TCA on behalf of the NHVR and Australian Governments.”
The TCA has stated it anticipates the commencement of EWD Service Provider certification will commence in 2017, closely followed by transport industry use.