NSW Police together with Roads and Maritime Services conducted an operation targeting the safety of heavy vehicles travelling through the Tumut area.
The operation commenced at 7am yesterday (Wednesday 16 September 2015) and saw police and RMS officers intercept 252 heavy vehicles in a 24 hour period.
During the operation, 12 major and 93 minor defect notices were issued, along with infringements for offences such as failing to complete work diaries, substantial risk load restraint, and working to many hours (14.5 in 24).
Police also issued a summons to a driver for having custody of a knife.
A total of 22 drug tests were completed with no positive results.
Acting Assistant Commissioner David Driver said that Traffic & Highway Patrol Command and NSW Roads and Maritime heavy vehicle enforcement & compliance partnership is starting to see significant results.
“With recent figures from Operation Austrans, which was a national heavy vehicle operation coordinated jointly by Police & RMS, defects and other non compliance had trended down for the first time this year, which was positive for the industry.”
“However, some key risks in terms of speed tampering & drug use by long distance drivers had in fact trended up, which will be a continuing focus for the Police & RMS into the future.”
“Those drivers, operators, owners, and linehaul customers that are placing risks on our roads know full well our capabilities, which is evidenced in Court outcomes after heavy vehicle related fatalities on our roads.”
“With 63% of Australia’s road freight passing through NSW at any one time, safety should be a priority for the industry, and with the RMS, Police will continue to enforce road safety for the benefit of all road users.”
The Director Safety and Compliance Peter Wells said Roads and Maritime’s continued enforcement operations alongside NSW Police is helping to change industry cultures and we are now seeing a more professional approach across the board.
“The vast majority of industry in NSW have worked hard to reach high levels of compliance to ensure safer roads for the community and a safer industry for heavy vehicle drivers,” said Mr Wells.
“Public safety is paramount and this operation send another strong message to all heavy vehicle operators that unsafe practices will not be tolerated,” He said.