An improved Load Restraint Guide and a complementary guide specifically for light vehicles will be available from early 2018, following endorsement of the guides by transport ministers earlier this month.
Chief Executive, Paul Retter said that the updated Load Restraint Guide would provide drivers, operators and other participants in the transport chain of responsibility with practical advice on how to safely transport a load.
“Given the last edition was published in 2004, it was crucial that we updated the guide to better cover the range of loads, vehicles and restraint equipment in use today. The update will contribute to increased safety and efficiency on our roads.
“Users of the guide – including drivers, industry and government representatives – have worked with us closely to make the guide easier to follow, with additional diagrams, signposting and icons, and simple, consistent and directive language.
“We’d like to thank those who assisted us with the process, including those who made a submission during public consultation earlier this year,” Mr Retter said.
This is the first time a version focusing on light vehicles has been available, specifically for vehicles under 4.5 tonnes.
“The Load Restraint Guide for Light Vehicles presents advice specific to the needs of light vehicle drivers and makes it easier for them to ensure their loads are restrained safely,” Mr Retter said.
The new guides will be available on the NTC’s website from early next year.
Mr Retter also confirmed that ministers approved the NTC’s recommendation to retain the current load restraint performance standards.
Updates to the Australian Road Rules (ARRs) have also been approved by transport ministers.
The updated ARRs will:
- improve consistency in rules for pedestrians and cyclists
- clarify when to give change of direction signals
- move load restraint obligations into the law
- introduce nationally-consistent rules relating to motorcycle lane-filtering and approved motorcycle helmets, along with other technical amendments.
The updates will apply to the Australian Road Rules model law and will need to be adopted by states and territories within their own laws to take effect.
The NTC will develop further proposals to amend the ARRs during 2018.
Find out more about the updated Load Restraint Guide and changes to the Australian Road Rules on the NTC website.