The Western Roads Federation, representing the trucking industry in Western Australia, has raised alarm over what it terms 'sham contracting', where companies misuse roadside parking bays intended for resting drivers. These bays, designed to help manage driver fatigue, are reportedly being utilized as makeshift depots, leading to situations where roadside repairs are performed and waste such as oil and tyres is discarded inappropriately. This misuse not only compromises safety but also poses environmental concerns as well.

Authorities, including Main Roads, have indicated they lack the enforcement capabilities to monitor these rest areas effectively. The Federation claims that many trucking firms are treating these designated rest bays as operational hubs, with some heavy vehicles and their unhitched trailers appearing abandoned for extended periods. This growing issue has significant implications not only for the trucking industry but also for local communities and the overall safety of roadways in the region.

The Federation is calling for a dedicated taskforce to investigate and implement measures to rectify this misuse. They argue that without appropriate oversight and enforcement, the problem is only likely to worsen, thus putting more pressure on existing resources while undermining the intent of road safety regulations meant to protect drivers and the travelling public alike.