Road Transport Forum chief executive Ken Shirley is reinforcing the message that freight operators and drivers need to take a safety-first approach to the State Highway 7 route from Picton to Christchurch.
“With State Highway 1 and the main trunk rail line out of action moving freight between Picton and Christchurch has become a very challenging undertaking,” says Shirley.
“Transport operators and their drivers are under enormous pressure to maintain tight timetables despite the longer and more arduous journey through the Lewis Pass,” he says.
“It is estimated that traffic flows over the Lewis will be four times what they usually are until State Highway 1 is back up and running, which we know will take many months,” says Shirley.
“The increased traffic is not limited to trucks as the road will also see greater numbers of tourists and other travellers meaning that everyone will need to be more patient while on that route,” he says.
“Allowing extra time for the journey, taking breaks and managing fatigue are important considerations for transport operators and drivers using SH7,” says Shirley.
“Operators must respect the legal requirements around work time/rest time provisions and make sure that they are looking after their drivers’ welfare. The SH7 route is difficult and potentially dangerous. It is also strategically important meaning that accidents that occur could have far greater consequences than normal,” he says.
“Despite the terrible circumstances it is imperative that the road transport industry and other travellers take a safety-first approach to the situation and plan their journey accordingly,” says Shirley.
