The National Road Transport Association (NatRoad) congratulates the New South Wales Government for responding to heavy vehicle industry calls for additional dedicated 24-hour testing facility for trucks along key regional freight routes.
Two additional freight-friendly pop-up testing sites are opening with a site in Yass operational from tomorrow and a site in Ballina operational on 23 August. These sites are in addition to the six sites already set up across the state.
"NatRoad is right behind measures like these that recognise the needs of the heavy vehicle industry and urges other states to follow suit," said CEO Warren Clark.
"The new sites which are supported by onsite pathology staff 24 hours a day, seven days a week, will make it easier for heavy vehicle drivers to get tested and get back on the road.
"Minister Paul Toole has listened and again acted, locating these additional facilities along key regional freight routes which will be a relief for many operators.
"We remain hopeful that National Cabinet will consider standardised border pass measures when it meets today and we want to see regulatory barriers removed to the use of rapid antigen testing kits, as well as developing faster turnaround times for current test analysis.
"The bottom line is that efficient movement of heavy vehicles is essential to keeping communities functioning."
