Crackdown on caravans parked in truck stops
Big fines for caravans parked in truck-only rest stops in QueenslandRV travelers who park overnight in truck-only rest stops in Queensland could face fines of up to $2669 as part of a government crackdown in that state.
The tougher new regulations brought in by Queensland's Department of Transport and Main Roads are designed to ensure spaces are available for heavy vehicle drivers to rest and manage their fatigue.
Around a third of the 450 rest areas on Queensland roads are truck-only rest stops while another 50 permit trucks, motorists and caravans to park in designed areas for rest breaks or overnight stops. Other roadside rest areas are reserved solely for cars, motorhomes and caravans.
According to Queensland Government regulations, “general and recreational vehicles can stop at a rest area for up to 20 hours unless signed otherwise, but they are not camping sites or an accommodation option”.
The new enforcement powers mean RV travellers not obeying the signs could be asked to move on or be issued a fine in the case of illegal camping and congestion.
Earlier this year the NSW Government started a six-month trial at two rest stops on the Pacific Highway to ensure spaces are available for all drivers to rest and manage their fatigue.
The government crackdowns are in response to rising tensions between truckies and RV travellers at increasingly crowded roadside rest areas. One trucking publication went so far as to launch a ‘name and shame’ campaign targeting RV travelers caught "flouting the rules’", while a number of 'share the road' initiatives have been launched recently to address the issue.
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