DoT looks into safety code for hauliers

Anna Cox THE DEPARTMENT of Transport has started an informal consultation process with freight and public transport employers' associations and trade unions to investigate ways of promoting fleet safety and the establishment of a code of conduct for the industry. This will be followed by formal negotiations to build consensus around self-regulatory measures and legislative regulatory changes which are deemed necessary for tighter fleet safety management. International models are currently being explored by the department to find a formal safety fitness rating methodology. A model being studied entails a vehicle operator receiving a safety rating after an accredited safety specialist conducts an on-site review of the operator's compliance with applicable safety standards and/or hazardous materials regulations in terms of a formal compliance review. The operator would then be awarded one of three safety ratings - satisfactory, conditional or unsatisfactory. To meet the safety fitness standards, the carrier would have to show it has adequate safety management controls in place that function effectively to ensure acceptable compliance with applicable safety requirements.