News Release Title: Speed policies an effective tool Article Date: 13 Jun 2006

A national study examining the speeding behaviour of heavy vehicle drivers concludes that company speed policies and good scheduling are effective speed management tools. The National Transport Commission (NTC) report found that 74 percent of more than 600 drivers surveyed nationally do not feel any pressure to speed.

Only a small minority expressed regular pressure to meet deadlines and admitted to speeding excessively (over 10km/hr). Speed compliance improved substantially where companies regularly promoted their speed policy to drivers, without ‘mixing messages’ such as warnings not to miss delivery deadlines.

Drivers also reported that their input into trip schedules reduced the ‘pressure to make deadline’. “The findings show companies have a strong and effective role to play in promoting a work culture where speeding is not tolerated,” said NTC Chairman Michael Deegan. “Company policies and scheduling can improve speed management in the industry.”

As with the general driving population, low-level speeding (less then 10km/hr over the limit) remains a problem. The report concludes this is the result of behavioural and work pressures. For example, some heavy vehicle drivers believe low-level speeding is acceptable to keep up with traffic flow where the driver is experienced. While regular checks of vehicle management systems by operators are commonplace, speed limiter tampering remains an issue.

The report found 24 percent of drivers admitted to driving a non speed-limited truck on a regular basis. Mr Deegan said the study will help inform the development of a draft heavy vehicle speed policy as part of the National Heavy Vehicle Safety Strategy. A discussion paper on heavy vehicle speed compliance was released late last year. “The results support the development of Chain of Responsibility for speed management, including speed limiters,”

Mr Deegan added. “This approach allows enforcement resources to be targeted at the minority of systemic offenders. Companies with good systems in place have nothing to fear.”

To read this report click on Speed Behaviours of Heavy Vehicle Drivers: A National Study For more information please contact: Paul Sullivan – Communications Manager (03) 9236 5027