Range of major and minor issues uncovered in course of inspections
New South Wales road authorities have raided a company who truck was involved in one of the crashes that led to a sense of crisis that now surrounds truck safety in the state.
Joint Traffic Taskforce police officers and Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) inspectors conducted a compliance operation on an unnamed transport company whose truck was involved in a fiery fatal crash on the M1 on Monday.
Three trucks collided in that incident, resulting in a large explosion and fire.
The 50-year-old male driver of a semi-trailer died at the scene and is yet to be formally identified.
His company’s firm was the focus of the operation centred on the RMS Heavy Vehicle Inspection Station on Victoria Street, Wetherill Park.
NSW Police say that during the operation 16 of the company’s trucks and trailers were inspected, resulting in:
- Five minor defects issued for various mechanical and compliance issues, including for leaf spring suspension, inoperative headlights, rear marker plates damaged, turn table insecure, and defective brakes
- One major defect issued for defective seat belt
- One trailer was found to have cancelled registration
- A driver from Queensland had his driving privileges withdrawn based on other traffic offences
- Two non-compliant engine control modules (ECMs) due to speed settings discovered.
“The recent tragic crashes involving trucks are unacceptable and we will continue to work closely with NSW Police to ensure drivers and companies improve their safety and compliance,” Roads and Maritime Services director compliance Roger Weeks said yesterday.
“Today our inspectors supported NSW Police during an investigation into the company involved in the fatality on the M1 on Monday.
“The operation is another warning to operators to be aware they will be targeted and they will be removed from our roads if they are found to be unsafe.”
Assistant commissioner Michael Corboy emphasises non-compliance was not an option for heavy vehicle operators on NSW roads.
“To have a double fatality yesterday at Dubbo involving a heavy vehicle, and another three fatalities involving trucks the day before, calls for not only a focus by the Joint Traffic Taskforce, but also the industry,” he adds
“Those drivers, owners, operators, loaders, and customers right throughout the supply chain should all have a safety and compliance focus.
“Not only should those trucks and trailers be roadworthy, drivers should be fit and able to drive on our roads in accordance with fatigue management practices.”
“Now is the time for all of those in the ‘Chain Of Responsibility’ to take their obligations seriously, or face this sort of a response from the Joint Traffic Taskforce.”