Inspection of NSW distribution centre leads to penalties for load restraint breaches and mechanical faults.
Incorrectly restrained and excessive loads have emerged as a major concern to police and road authorities in New South Wales after an inspection of a distribution centre.
The Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) and NSW Police last week inspected the Eastern Creek facility as part of the annual Operation Austrans initiative targeting heavy vehicles.
Officers inspected 42 vehicles and issued 11 defects for faults relating to brakes, suspension and steering.
NSW Police expressed alarm after 14 notices were handed out for offences relating to load restraint and mass, while a further 12 drivers were directed to correct their loads.
“Vehicles not properly maintained and serviced pose a great risk to the drivers, other roads users and the community in general,” acting assistant commissioner Stuart Smith says.
However, Smith has indicated that compliance levels are improving.
“While some people still fail to adhere to the rules, overall we can see that the message is getting through,” he says.
Operation Austrans is a national police and road agency enforcement operation that will continue throughout June.
“We welcome and acknowledge that most drivers and companies are decent and operate within the law – those operating illegally and risking our safety on the road need to change their ways, or face heavy penalties or even exclusion from the industry,” RMS director of safety and compliance Peter Wells says.