CARAVANNERS have backed a call for more rest areas in the Northern Territory.

The Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia is demanding action on the shortage which it claims is a danger to all road users.

The dilemma was revealed in a national audit which also pointed out that existing rest areas were too far apart.

CMCA spokesperson Liz Martin reportedly said she had encountered fatigue danger zones in the Top End and had called for government action. Some travellers had to drive hundreds of kilometres to find rest stops which were often full of trucks, forcing them to drive another 100 or 200km.

Queensland caravanner Gary Hill agreed something needed to be done about the lack of rest areas, particularly on the Stuart Highway in remote areas of the Northern Territory.

"Distances are vast and yet there is a distinct shortage of suitable overnight stopping places," he told Caravanning News. "With more and more travellers hitting the road in caravans, campervans and motorhomes, something urgently needs to be done to cater for their needs."

And traveller Herbert McNamara of New South Wales complained that far too many rest areas along the nation's highways now had 'No Camping' signs, forcing drivers to slog on to the next rest area or caravan park which could be hundreds of kilometres away.

"Lives are being put at risk," he said. "I recently visited the USA and Canada where there were stacks of well-used rest areas. Australia has always been admired for its out-of-doors lifestyle, but the authorities seem to be doing very little to encourage and cater to us travellers."

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