New compliance operation announced, as NSW roads minister takes a shot at 'rogue truckies'
Overheight trucks and unsecured load are again in the spotlight in New South Wales, with authorities launching a new campaign targeting those breaching their obligations.
Roads minister Duncan Gay has announced the start of Operation Hydra, a five-day campaign that kicked off yesterday.
The move is in response to a number of recent incidents in Sydney involving overheight trucks and unsecured loads.
“I have had enough of these rogue truckies thinking it is OK to put everyone else on the road at risk because of sloppy operations and reckless behaviour,” Gay says.
“In the past few weeks we have had way too many heavy vehicles causing huge delays and significant damage to our infrastructure – enough is enough. These few people put an otherwise professional and vital industry in a poor light.”
Gay’s department, the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS), and NSW Police will work together during the operation to identify companies letting their trucks travel on the road without relevant checks and balances.
Gay has threatened severe penalties for those caught breaching the law.
“It won’t just be a matter of slapping a fine on those we find are breaking the law. Offenders and their companies could be looking at registration and licence suspensions, immediate court attendance notices or directions to clean up their fleets,” he says.
“It’s about time this minority realised we are serious about this – they can either get their act together or we will get them off the road – it’s pretty simple.
NSW Police assistant commissioner John Hartley says the operation will focus on overheight vehicles, speeding, dangerous loading, fatigued drivers, safety at building sites and movement of associated spoil.
“The activation of the taskforce has come after significant road closures, disruption to industry and other issues due to the congestion caused during delays and repair work,” Hartley says.
“Officers will carry out drug testing, load review and driver probity. Immediately following, offending companies will get a visit and be issued improvement, enforcement or prosecution notices as required.”
Photography: Brad Gardner