By Brad Gardner | July 21, 2010Dodgy trucking operators are escaping the compliance net due to a decline in the number of transport inspectors in Queensland, the Opposition claims.
Opposition spokeswoman on transport Fiona Simpson says she has received complaints from reputable trucking companies and inspectors that not enough time is being given to catch those breaking heavy vehicle regulations.
Simpson used Budget Estimates hearing to criticise Transport Minister Rachel Nolan for changes to heavy vehicle enforcement that puts the onus on targeted rather than random inspections.
According to Simpson, there are less inspectors on the road at night despite the number of trucks on the road.
“This is well known in the industry and there are complaints coming forward, not only from those in the industry who are doing the right thing but transport officers,” Simpson says.
“I am receiving complaints from your officers who say that they do not believe that they are being given the hours at night to go out there and do the job.”
Nolan defended the approach by saying inspectors are able to enforce regulations through a targeted approach.
“…transport inspectors now have better intelligence which allows for a targeting of compliance rather than random inspections,” she says.
Nolan says inspectors no longer need to sit on the side of the road waiting for trucks to come along because they can focus on heavy vehicles they consider a problem.