COVID-19 in truck drivers: One in four interstate truckies flouting mask laws

One in four interstate truck drivers are flouting mask rules when stopping at roadhouses or fuel stations, according to police.

Police say checks of 129 transport, freight and logistics drivers carried out between October 18 and 25 resulted in the issuing of 32 infringements for failing to wear a face mask.

The operation was carried out by officers from Operation Tide, which was set up to manage the COVID-19 pandemic and focused on compliance checks of vehicles across the Perth, Wheatbelt and Goldfields-Esperance districts.

“Recent efforts have focussed on mask wearing requirements when drivers are not in their trucks, such as when stopping at roadhouses or fuel stations,” police said.

“Whilst it is pleasing the majority of people are doing the right thing, all drivers and workers in the transport, freight and logistics industry are reminded of the increased health risk they pose by regularly travelling interstate, and the requirements they must comply with to limit the spread of COVID-19 into WA.”