NEW anti-speeding laws to be introduced in Victoria will enforce penalties of over $50,000 to companies that force truck drivers to speed to meet deadlines.
Under new laws introduced this week, employers, prime contractors, schedulers, loading managers and consignors may be penalised $56,710 if caught influencing a driver to speed.
Drivers will also be fined $11,342 and face the prospect of another $3,403 in fines if caught exceeding the speed by 35km or more.
Minister for Roads and Ports Tim Pallas says the changes will help reduce Victoria’s road toll.
He says by linking chain of responsibility to speeding, companies will be less inclined to pressure drivers to breach road safety laws.
NSW introduced similar provisions last year based on the model developed by the National Transport Commission (NTC).
The move has won the backing of the Victorian Transport Association (VTA), which supports extending on-road responsibilities beyond the driver and company.
Deputy Chief Executive Neil Chambers says the laws complement fatigue management regulations because drivers will not be able to speed to reach their destination within their allotted driving hours.
The new laws will also target cyclists guilty of dangerous riding and failing to stop and render assistance at an accident.
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