About 1pm on Saturday 3 January 2015, motorists reported a b-double weaving between lanes on the Hume Highway, Goulburn.
Officers stopped the heavy vehicle and directed it to the Marulan Heavy Vehicle Safety Station.
It was found to be carrying a load of mixed dangerous goods including: sulphuric acid,
hydrochloric acid and nitrous oxide, phosphorous acid, aerosol cans, in addition to tractor tyres.
The vehicle’s load was not secured and inspectors found smooth tyres and a detached brake slack adjustor on the A-trailer, making brakes on its second axle ineffective. There was also no personal protection equipment in the cabin.
The driver was issued two defect notices and infringement notices for: dangerous good breach – no personal protection equipment ($260); substantial load restraint breach ($512); and, drive heavy vehicle used to carry dangerous goods not comply with code – roadworthiness ($400).
Meanwhile, about 11.45am yesterday (Wednesday 7 January 2015), police were patrolling the Hume Highway, Pheasants Nest, when they stopped a b-double travelling south for an inspection.
Officers allege the heavy vehicle had a number of unsecured items on board while the inspection found the speed limiter to be non-compliant, enabling an override of the system to allow the vehicle to travel above the 100km/h speed limit.
Infringements were issued by police for a non-compliant speed limiter and substantial risk load restraint.
Checks on the 42-year-old Queensland driver revealed he was wanted for driving matters. He was arrested and taken to Goulburn Police Station and is due to appear in Goulburn Local Court today (Thursday 8 January 2015).
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner John Hartley, said police will continue to focus on all vehicle categories.
“Heavy vehicle compliance and safety is just one element in a broad range of road safety initiatives police are focusing on.
“Any vehicle, particular those of a significant weight, that are non-compliant put other road users at serious risk when they are at high speeds or stop suddenly in traffic.
“We make no excuses for stopping these drivers and if necessary can ensure they are taken off the road for a period of time. We will continue to work with our partner agencies to ensure road users are not at risk,” Assistant Commissioner Hartley said.
Roads and Maritime Services General Manager Compliance Operations, Paul Endycott, said this non-compliance was particularly concerning given it occurred during one of the busiest times of the year on our roads.
“It was only the good work of Police and Roads and Maritime officers which prevented what could have been a terrible tragedy.
“Roads and Maritime officers recently had training in enforcement under dangerous goods transport law. The programme focused on coordination of multi-agency activities relating to dangerous goods and heavy vehicle regulation. This was a great example of the reason we carry out this sort of training.
“Consignors loaders and others in the Chain of Responsibility need to take more ownership in this. Directors of these companies can and will be held personally liable for these offences.
“It sends a strong message to the heavy vehicle industry there are more of us out there ensuring improved compliance of heavy vehicles carrying dangerous goods than ever before,” Mr Endycott said.