Central West launch to drive log truck safety initiative

A new safety initiative, aimed at driving improvements in log truck driver safety and behaviour, will be launched in the Central West on Wednesday 19 October. 

The launch will take place at Learmonth Park rest area on the Great Western Highway in Bathurst at 10 am.

Forests NSW regional manager, Gavin Jeffries, said the community is being asked to contribute to road safety in the Central West region by calling 1800 LOGHAUL.

“This new safety initiative, developed by Forests NSW and Forest Industry Council in South West NSW, will give other road users the opportunity to comment on logging truck safety in the region,” he said. 

“If you are driving behind a logging truck and notice any safety issues such as loose logs or speeding, or if you notice the driver is being particularly courteous, you can call 1800 LOGHAUL and quote the truck ID number. 

“Your message will be passed onto the contractor and complaints will be investigated. Caller details will be kept confidential.”

Mr Jeffries said the program is gradually being rolled out across the State and is already operating in Forests NSW Macquarie Region, which covers Oberon, Orange, Lithgow and Bathurst.

“It works by log trucks bearing 1800 LOGHAUL (which corresponds to 1800 5644285 on phone keypads) on the rear of the trailer, as well as an individual truck identification number,” he said.

“The aim is to gather data on driver behaviour and other safety issues, as well as highlighting positive driving.”

Mr Jeffries said a similar system was working well in New Zealand.

“We very much hope the public will support the initiative here too,” he said.

“The Macquarie Region is a hub for forest activity and safety is foremost in the mind of the timber industry.

“It covers some 71,500 hectares of State-owned pine plantation, which together with 22,400 hectares of privately owned plantations supports a regional timber industry which provides almost 2000 full-time equivalent jobs.

“This initiative has been introduced to reduce the number of vehicle accidents in the region and improve public perception of the industry.”

Photo of truck with signage now available from sarahc@sf.nsw.gov.au