The Transport Workers Union has called on owner drivers in the road transport industry to demand fuel levies from road transport operators to counter soaring fuel costs.

TWU Vic/Tas Branch Secretary Bill Noonan said today that cost recovery for owner drivers was a critical factor in road safety.

“It costs a lot to service and maintain trucks and there is a danger that safety maintenance measures could suffer if owner driver incomes are squeezed too much,” he said.

“Rising fuel costs are hurting a lot of people, but for owner drivers they can be fatal.”

Mr. Noonan said that there is legislation in Victoria to protect owner drivers from exploitation if they choose to use it.

“They need to do themselves a favor by joining the TWU. We will act on their behalf to ensure that they are not put out of business,” he said.

Mr. Noonan warned that the current shortage of experienced drivers in the industry could be made worse if significant numbers of owner drivers were left with no alternative other than to walk away from the industry.