Dandenong trucking operator convicted for loading breech in what is the first ever prosecution of a ‘loader’ under chain-of-responsibility laws
By Samantha Freestone | April 14, 2010
A Dandenong trucking operator has been convicted for a loading breech in what is the first ever prosecution of a ‘loader’ under chain-of-responsibility laws.
The landmark case was heard on March 11, 2010 where the loader and Director of National Australia Employment Agency, Bruno Strangio, was found guilty of personally loading a truck 60.55 percent beyond its capacity.
The matter was finalised before Judge Hampel at Melbourne County Court.
Scott Douglas, VicRoads team leader for state-wide investigations and prosecutor of the case, says Strangio loaded one of two trucks after a driver refused to do so.
One driver agreed to drive the vehicle, calling VicRoads once he had left the premises in Dandenong.
“The defendant was charged with exceeding the mass limit as a loader under section 173(2) of the Road Safety Act. Strangio was charged as an individual and the charge was proven,” Douglas says.
Arising out of the same set of circumstances National Australia Employment Agency was charged as the ‘operator’ for the same matter.
Strangio was convicted and ordered to pay a $5,000 fine and costs of $12,405 imposed by the Magistrate. Original hearing costs of $11,262 were also ordered to be paid by Strangio.