One Queensland MP says truck drivers should get some leeway when it comes to minor fatigue management breaches.

The MP for the seat of Lockyer Ian Rickuss says there should also be more suitable rest areas.

Rickuss was speaking for truck drivers in a recent debate about introducing an electronic work diary (EWD).

The authorities are looking at EWDs as an alternative to paper diaries, but some are concerned that they will actually bring about more infringements for minor breaches.

Legislation has already passed in Queensland Parliament ahead of the introduction of EWDs.

“This is a significant step forward in the use of technology as a means of improving the regulation and, in turn, the safety of the heavy vehicle industry,” Queensland transport and infrastructure minister Jackie Trad said.

"I must stress that the adoption of electronic work diaries is voluntary.

“It provides operators in the industry with a choice to either adopt this emerging technology or continue, as they currently do, with the paper-based system.”

But Mr Rickuss has some concerns.

“Let’s make sure that if they are minor errors that these people are being picked up for, common-sense applies,” Rickuss said.

“That is what we want with these laws. A lot of these truck drivers are great truck drivers. They are quite intelligent people but book work is not their forte or working with electronic diaries is not their forte.

“So a bit of common-sense is needed around those issues.”

He said proper rest areas including facilities like toilets, bins and showers would be central to better fatigue management.

“There are thousands of trucks pulled up on the side of the road where it is just a bush toilet. It really is a bit tough on some of them and then we are expecting them to drive these sorts of hours,” he says.

“We have to make sure that there are facilities for the trucks and that we look after them. They do carry Australia on their back, as the sticker says.”

The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) is less than thrilled about the move to EWDs, which it estimates will cost $1,200 to purchase, $500 to install and $20 a month in ongoing costs.