TfNSW renews enforcement warning to operators in aftermath
Transport for NSW (TfNSW) has detailed an extreme case of a driver that “ran off into the bush” when confronted by authorities, whose truck was found with engine and speed tampering capabilities, a number plate shield, and a quantity of drugs.
TfNSW director of compliance Roger Weeks says Zig Zag Express driver Steven Tong was fined $26,400 and deducted nine demerit points by Goulburn Local Court last month after his truck was found to have a speed limiter tampering device on board, allowing it to travel at a maximum speed of 130km/h, amongst other transgressions.
“The Victorian-based driver was stopped at the Marulan North heavy vehicle safety station in March this year, where it was alleged he also had a laptop on board with software which allowed him to adjust the vehicle speed for three different engine types, a number plate shield and a quantity of drugs,” Weeks says.
“When confronted about the laptop the driver ran off into the bush and police were called.
“A subsequent search by officers found the man, the laptop, hard drives containing the engine control software and some methamphetamine.”
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The state roads authority has used the incident to issue a compliance warning to operators engaging in similar activity.
“The court clearly demonstrated these types of offences will not be tolerated by handing down the toughest penalties available.
“The vigilance of the on-road safety inspectors and significant work by the prosecutions team has ensured this dangerous driver has been sent the strongest possible message about safety enforcement.”
The breakdown of offences and penalties included:
- stand/drive vehicle with speed measuring evasion article: $2,200 + 9 demerits
- tamper with speed limiter fitted to heavy vehicle: $11,000
- use etc heavy vehicle contravenes speed limiter standard: $6,600
- fail to comply with direction not to interfere with vehicle/load: $6,600
NSW Police also charged Tong with driving a vehicle with an illicit drug present, after his sample was analysed and tested positive to methamphetamine.
He was fined $1,500 and disqualified from driving for six months – from June 26, 2019.
“This should serve as a warning to other heavy vehicle operators that it is not a matter of if but when you are caught if you engage in speed limiter tampering and drug driving,” Weeks says.