Transport Certification Australia has started work on the implementation of Electronic Work Diaries (EWD) with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator.
The project follows the passage of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) Amendment Bill through the Queensland Parliament in September. The amendment allowed for implementation of the National Transport Commission’s reforms to allow the use of EWD instead of written records.
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Commenting on the introduction of EWD, Transport Certification Australia (TCA) CEO Chris Koniditsiotis said that this is a road transport safety reform that provides for improved productivity.
“The implementation of EWD will represent yet another application of the National Telematics Framework – in addition to the existing regulatory and commercial applications already available through the Framework – consistent with the direction endorsed by Ministers in 2008,” said Mr Koniditsiotis.
“This means that the introduction of EWD will ensure transport operators do not need to purchase new, stand-alone systems or technologies, subject to decisions by telematics providers to offer EWD services.”
Mr Koniditsiotis said starting the implementation of EWD followed a significant amount of planning by TCA and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR).
“As this is a major technological and regulatory reform, the implementation of EWD will involve coordinated activities not only between TCA and the NHVR, but with road and transport agencies, police and other stakeholders,” he said.
“As a regulatory telematics application, EWD services will be certified by TCA on behalf of the NHVR and Australian Governments.”
TCA anticipates that EWD Service Provider certification will be introduced in 2017 closely followed by transport industry use.