Fleet condition and work diary breaches draw enforcement wrath
New South Wales’ discernible heavy vehicle compliance presence has seen a Yass-based operator issued 10 infringement notices for permitting the use of defective heavy vehicles in its fleet, the state’s police force reports.
The unnnamed company felt the state enforcement’s heavy hand on August 22 when officers from the Traffic Task Force, along with Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) inspectors, conducted a safety audit of the company’s entire fleet.
“Of its 19 units from these inspections, 17 minor defects, two major defects and three major grounded defects were issued,” the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command reports.
“Numerous brake, suspension and wheel/tyre defects were identified.
“A prime mover was inspected and was found to be leaking diesel at a high rate during the inspection.
“Another unit was inspected and found to have brakes on one side of the axle that, when fully applied, did not actually come into contact with any part of the brake system, resulting in no actual brake force on that side of the axle.”
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The company was issued 10 infringement notices for allowing the defective heavy vehicles to be operated.
The work diaries of drivers for the company were also inspected, with 25 infringement notices issued, including three work rest hours breaches, police notes.
One driver was also charged for a critical rest hours breach.