E-log books for truckies must be considered 20 January 2013

The Government should consider electronic log books as part of a wider investigation into improving the safety of truck drivers and other road users, says Labour Transport Safety spokesperson Iain Lees-Galloway.

"The fine handed down to a North Island trucking firm this week is another reminder that the financial pressures placed upon drivers often lead to unsafe practises that not only put the drivers at risk but also create unnecessary hazards for other road users.

"The failure to comply with work hours and rest break regulations discovered by the lengthy Police investigation that lead to this conviction is just the tip of the iceberg.

"Electronic log books that record the movements of a vehicle in real time would make enforcement of work time and rest break rules much easier. Easier enforcement will lead to greater compliance and greater safety on the road.

"Labour believes a Parliamentary inquiry is required to examine all the opportunities to improve truck safety including issues relating to remuneration pressures.

"The National Party needs to support an inquiry so that a bi-partisan strategy to make our roads safer can be established."