Previous initiative for new vehicles now extended to new tank trailers
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) says a key heavy vehicle road safety initiative has now been extended to all dangerous goods tank trailers.
After previously only being compulsory in new tank trailers, the EPA now requires all tank trailers carrying dangerous goods to be fitted with a roll stability system, effective January 1, 2019.
Compliance checks will be carried out to ensure tank trailers carrying dangerous goods using NSW roads have fitted the rollover control system.
On-the-spot fines of up to $4,000 may apply for non-compliance.
EPA waste and resource recovery director Steve Beaman says the requirement is the completion of a five-year implementation period for existing vehicles, while applying to new vehicles since 2014.
“This critical initiative will assist in making NSW roads safer, protect the environment from hazardous material spills and potentially save lives,” Beaman says.
Rollover control is an electronic system that automatically reduces vehicle speed when sensors detect wheel speed is producing a high risk of a vehicle rolling over.
NSW EPA also recently cracked down on overloaded waste trucks. Read more here
The safety initiative follows recommendations by the NSW Coroner after a fatal tanker accident in 2009 at East Lynne on the south coast.
It also follows a serious accident in 2013 at Mona Vale on Sydney’s northern beaches.
In both crashes, the vehicles rolled and leaked fuel, leading to fatalities.
“The safe transportation of dangerous goods is a very serious matter and the reforms were introduced as a consequence of fatalities involving heavy vehicles,” Beaman says.
National Bulk Tanker Association (NBTA) executive director Rob Perkins welcomed the extension to all vehicles.
“New South Wales has shown real leadership in ensuring this very important safety measure protects vehicles from rollover,” Perkins says.
“This undoubtedly contributes to improved safety for all road users in NSW.”