Northern Territory drivers now need to ensure they secure loose loads of gravel, rocks or other quarried material. The changes, which come into force on 7 October 2015, have been made to the traffic regulations in response to concerns made by the Coroner.

These changes form part of a suite of amendments to the NT Traffic Regulations, aimed at improving safety on Territory roads.

Department of Transport Chief Executive Andrew Kirkman said the amendments provide an opportunity to remind drivers about the importance of securing their loads and their responsibilities if those loads spill.

“Any loose material that falls onto the road has the potential to cause a serious incident,” Mr Kirkman said.

“Unsecured loose bulk loads have always incurred a penalty and we have now clarified the definition to include rocks, gravel and any other quarried material.

“The changes will also ensure that any destructive or harmful substances spilt onto the road reserve from unsecured loads will be cleaned up at the expense of the offender,” Mr Kirkman said.

Further changes to the Traffic Regulations include:

• refining the definition of a ‘burnout’ to cover any situation where vehicles lose traction with the surface of a road;
• increasing the threshold value at which low value abandoned vehicles can be disposed of by the road authority to $1,000, to cover the practical costs of removal, storage and sale;
• clarifying the matters that drivers should consider when deciding a safe driving speed; and
• correcting some inconsistencies with parking offences.

NT Government has tightened the requirements for covering loose bulk loads in response to the recommendations contained in the Coroner’s report following the death of Mrs Rosalyn O’Neil in 2011.

For further information please contact DoT Media on 0437 458 213.