THE National Heavy Vehicle Regulator has launched a new online tool mapping service centres, truck stops and roadhouses remaining open for heavy vehicle drivers.

NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the tool provided information about services and trading hours for service centres right across the country.

“Having access to food, showers, toilets and appropriate rest is critical for drivers to properly manage their fatigue,” Mr Petroccitto said.

“This new mapping tool will allow drivers to jump online and see quickly which facilities are still operational and providing these important services, allowing them to plan routes and breaks.”

The tool was developed after protocols were released by the government and NHVR recently to allow heavy vehicle drivers to continue to access these facilities.

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Western Roads Federation chief executive Cam Dumesny said the map would ensure continued support for smaller and remote roadhouses.

“In any state with vast distances, these facilities are critical to allow our drivers to get a proper rest, a feed and get on with the job of moving freight safely,” he said.

“It’s also important that both retailers and drivers are required to follow hygiene and social distancing guidelines to ensure the continued health and wellbeing of all workers and drivers.”

Mr Dumesny also thanked WA Freight and Logistics Council chair Nicole Lockwood for enabling WA’s data to be contributed to the NHVR map.

The map can be accessed here and will also be available through the NHVR Route Planner shortly.

This information has been provided to the NHVR by retailers and heavy vehicle operators and may not be comprehensive.