Blitz results prompt criticism of managers and supervisors from police
Details have emerged on Tuesday’s safety blitz on New South Wales’ north coast.
Police and Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) conducted a heavy-vehicle traffic operation there as part of Operation Towards Zero.
Between 7am and 9pm, Traffic & Highway Patrol officers and RMS inspectors conducted random breath and drug testing, vehicle and driver compliance checks, at RMS heavy vehicle safety stations on the M1 from Mt White and along the north coast.
Officers inspected 770 trucks and trailers, and issued 51 defect notices for a range of vehicle maintenance issues, including smooth tyres, loose wheels, brake, oil and fuel leaks, and other issues.
Officers also conducted 208 breath tests, and 171 drug tests, with three drivers of articulated vehicles returning a positive indication to methamphetamine.
Eight heavy vehicles were issued infringements for exceeding the 40km/h truck and bus speed limit on Kariong Hill, including a public bus carrying 21 passengers and a private bus with 17 passengers on board.
A total of 38 infringement notices were issued.
Traffic & Highway Patrol commander assistant commissioner Michael Corboy says although it is positive to see that the message is getting through to the majority of the industry, more work still needs to be done.
Read about the Coffee with a Cop initiative in NSW, here
“It was great to see one truck in mint condition, and another that displayed some great messaging, which is certainly an indicator that the industry takes safety seriously,” Corboy says.
“However, the two drivers who tested positive, and 51 trucks issued defects, should not have been on the road at all.
“Each of those trucks have had to pass by a manager or supervisor after leaving a depot, which is unacceptable.
“This operation shows that any day, any time, we can conduct checks, and focus on the transport sector, to make sure owners, operators and drivers, and all those in the supply chain are safe when using our roads.
“With 185,000 registered heavy vehicles in NSW, and over 400,000 passing through our state every day, the focus will always be on safety, and compliance, for the benefit of all road users.”
Roads and Maritime Services director of compliance Roger Weeks says most heavy vehicle operators have systems in place to ensure their drivers and vehicles comply with regulations and operate safely and efficiently on NSW roads.
“The majority of the heavy vehicle industry understands the importance of vehicle safety and encourages good driver behaviour,” Weeks says.
“Roads and Maritime will continue to work with police to target any drivers and operators who break the law and put road users at risk.”