i information bulletin Truck Stops and Rest Areas Melbourne / Geelong May 2002
Introduction Driver fatigue is the single most significant cause of road crashes involving heavy vehicles. Up to 60 per cent of these crashes involve driver fatigue. Fatigue affects all heavy vehicle drivers, not only those involved in interstate work. All drivers need to take responsibility for managing their fatigue by ensuring they get sufficient sleep before starting work. Once on the road, truck drivers can help reduce the affects of fatigue, caused by working or driving long hours, by taking regular rest breaks. Truck Stops and Rest Areas To assist drivers to take regular rest breaks, truck stops and rest areas are located throughout Victoria. These areas can also be used to check the vehicle, ensure the load carried is still secured, and complete any necessary paperwork. Rest Areas: These are public parking areas that are located off the road and provide the driver with the opportunity to take an extended rest break. Most provide a range of services. In most cases, they can accommodate larger vehicles. Parking Bays: These are off road areas with the provision for truck parking. These locations have either no facilities or limited facilities nearby. They are recommended only for short breaks, for example to enable drivers to check their load and vehicle, and take a short nap. Roadside Parking: Truck parking either on the side of a road or in a service road. Services are generally within walking distance at the locations identified in this brochure. These areas are not recommended for long breaks. It should be remembered that trucks are not permitted to park for more than one hour on roads in built up areas. The issue of adequate rest areas for trucks in urban areas, to enable drivers to better manage fatigue, was raised at road freight forums conducted by the Victorian Road Freight Advisory Council. The Council, which is an advisory body to the Minister for Transport, undertook a survey in metropolitan Melbourne and Geelong to identify current rest areas. This survey has enabled VicRoads and the Council to develop this information bulletin, which identifies truck stops and rest areas in metropolitan Melbourne and Geelong. The brochure identifies both public and commercial truck stops and rest areas. It details the types of facility and services available. It also identifies those facilities that can accommodate B-doubles and most over-dimensional loads. The types of facility identified include: Service Centres: These are commercial facilities with the provision of extensive parking, that offer the driver the opportunity to take rest breaks of at least six hours. Generally, they provide a full range of services and can accommodate large heavy vehicles, such as B-doubles. Service Stations: These are commercial facilities with provision for truck parking, but are only suitable for short stays and meal breaks. They provide a range of services. Generally, parking is limited. Take the opportunity to check your load Melbourne and Metropolitan Truck Stops and Rest Areas The truck stops and rest areas identified in this information bulletin are based on advice received from staff at VicRoads, the Transport Workers Union and the Victorian Transport Association. Table 1 details the location of each facility in the Melbourne metropolitan area. It also details the services available at each location. Generally, locations with more ticks have more services. The location of each facility is shown on the map, see pages 4 and 5. The map also shows those locations that can accommodate large heavy vehicles such as, B-doubles and most over-dimensional loads. 2
Table 1: Melbourne and Metropolitan Truck Stops and Rest Areas [ Limited parking only (no more than 2 semi-trailers at one time) # Food is either within walking distance or available during specific periods. ; Toilets nearby. 3
MELBOURNE METROPOLITAN TRUCK STOPS AND REST AREAS 4
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Geelong and Outer Regions Truck Stops and Rest Areas Table 2 (below) details location of each facility in the Geelong area. It also details the services available at these locations. Table 2: Geelong and Outer Regions Truck Stops and Rest Areas [ Limited parking only (no more than 2 semi-trailers at one time) # Food is either within walking distance or available during specific periods. ; Toilets nearby. Each of the above locations are shown on the map on the opposite page. This map also shows locations that can accommodate large heavy vehicles, such as B-doubles and over-dimensional loads. 6 Can t remember the last few kilometres of your trip? Take a break.
GEELONG AND OUTER REGIONS TRUCK STOPS AND REST AREAS 7
Dangerous Goods Vehicles The locations identified in this bulletin are generally suitable for use by dangerous goods vehicles. However, when parking in these areas, drivers should: Where possible, park away from other vehicles; Locate the vehicle where it can be seen; Open the battery isolation switch (where fitted) when the vehicle is left unattended, except where the vehicle lights must be kept on for safety reasons; and Park flammable goods vehicles away from any ignition source. Further Information Further information on managing driver fatigue and truck driving hours is available from any VicRoads Office, or the VicRoads Bookshop on (03) 9854 2782 or Email: bookshop@roads.vic.gov.au Remember Stop when you feel tired or sleepy. The facilities at truck stops and rest areas are for all to use. Please ensure they are kept clean. When using rest areas be considerate to other users and any neighbouring properties by keeping noise to a minimum. Use these areas to take a power nap. Take the opportunity to ensure that the load on your vehicle has not moved and is still secure. Take the opportunity to do a quick vehicle check. Do not park on roads in built-up areas for more than one hour. For information about truck stops and rest areas contact the relevant VicRoads Regional Office: Metropolitan North West Region Tel: 9854 2666 Metropolitan South East Region Tel: 9854 7866 South Western Region Tel: 5225 2525 Find your vehicle and mind wandering? Can t stop yawning? Stop and take a power nap. 8 VicRoads Publication Number 01057 www.vicroads.vic.gov.au