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Little drama following BP tanker checks in two states

Chassis cracking in one Victorian truck but normal wear and tear was the rule

VicRoads has completed its part of a national safety audit on BP’s modest fleet of owned and contracted trucks and tanker trailers.

In all, 20 trucks and 19 trailers were inspected after BP voluntarily grounded its fuel fleet of 50 vehicles following last Thursday’s triple fatality near Wodonga.

From its inspections, VicRoads issued a total of five major and 20 minor defect notices for “standard maintenance issues in between services”.

VicRoads director of regulatory services Richard Bell says no trucks had been grounded.

“We have worked extremely closely with BP since last Thursday afternoon and we understand BP is addressing all defects before returning their trucks to service,” Bell says.

“The defects reflect standard maintenance issues that occur in between regular services, such as suspension wear and tear, tyres and oil and fuel leaks.

“We did find an example of chassis cracking, which falls in a major category and BP have advised us that these repairs will be carried out this week.”

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) says similar inspections were carried out in New South Wales and Queensland over the weekend with BP.

A spokesman for the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads indicates a similar experience.

“Following the fatal crash in Victoria on Thursday last week, we undertook inspections on a number of BP heavy vehicles in Queensland the following day,” the spokesman says.

“Of the trucks and dog trailers inspected, only minor defect notices were issued.”

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