VicRoads issues reminder to trucking industry after 99 percent of defect notices were issued to heavy vehicles
By Ruza Zivkusic | January 23, 2011
VicRoads has issued a reminder to the trucking industry after almost all defect notices dished out last year were handed to heavy vehicle drivers.
The department says it distributed 4529 notices to vehicles on Victorian roads in 2011, with 4500 going to trucks.
VicRoads Road User Services Director Richard Bell says the most common defects included windscreens, lights, tyres, suspension, brakes and steering.
Bell says truck drivers and companies need to understand the importance of ensuring their heavy vehicles are in safe working order.
“VicRoads coordinates regular operations to promote and enforce heavy vehicle safety,” Bell says.
“This includes Operation Hazard which targets unsafe and unroadworthy heavy vehicles in Melbourne.”
Operation Hazard was conducted twice last year and is a joint government inter-agency operation run by VicRoads with the support of Victoria Police, the Sheriff’s office and WorkSafe Victoria.
ATN last week reported an increasing number of trucking companies were skipping regular vehicle services to offset the impact of tough economic times.
Crash investigative firm Delta-V Experts blamed accidents on poor maintenance.