NSW Police issues stern warning to the transport industry after grounding three trucks in 24 hours
August 10, 2012
New South Wales Police has issued a stern warning to the transport industry after grounding three trucks in 24 hours: officers are not backing off in their enforcement efforts.
A South Australian B-double driver was caught 20km/h over the speed limit at Holbrook yesterday. The 50-year-old Renmark man is also accused of failing to take a seven-hour rest break in a previous journey as mandated under fatigue laws.
His truck was defected so the speed limiter can be checked.
Superintendent Stuart Smith says the same truck and driver had been detected speeding by Albury Highway Patrol on August 3.
“Our inquiries are continuing into a clearance notice issued to the driver which allegedly cleared the previous defect,” Smith says.
“We have since located the truck involved in Melbourne, and in consultation with the South Australian operator, the truck has been directed to attend the Albury heavy vehicle checking Station.”
“Roads and Maritime Service (RMS) inspectors will conduct a thorough inspection of the engine to determine whether or not speed limiter tampering is an issue here,” he adds.
“These inspectors will also investigate the probity of the clearance given to the truck this week.”
Another driver was for the fifth time this year stopped for speeding offences. His recent transgression was detected on Thursday when he was busted travelling 124km/h on the Hume Highway. His work diary has been seized for further analysis after police allegedly detected a number of anomalies.
A third truck was also grounded in Albury.
Smith says 2,235 trucks have been inspected, with 1,199 issued for breaches, defects, infringements and cautions.
“Our enforcement campaigns have resulted in the grounding of 54 trucks for speed limiter tampering,” he says.
“This should send a clear warning to the industry that our enforcement campaigns and Austrans operations are working.
“Whilst ever trucks continue to speed in NSW the joint heavy vehicle taskforce will continue to work together for the benefit of road safety across the state.”
