Visible police presence around port as safety message reinforced
Truck drivers have been subjected to a Queensland Police heavy vehicle compliance operation around the Port of Brisbane as part of National Road Safety Week.
The outcome of the blitz, relatively small-scale compared to previous operations, appears secondary to the safety reminder emanating from the activity.
At a press conference Acting Inspector Ian Crang says the operation, which intercepted only 21 trucks, was focused on reducing road trauma and targeting dangerous behaviour such as speeding and drink and drug driving.
“This year to date, 37 lives have been lost in crashes involving heavy vehicles. Heavy vehicle drivers need to exercise proper care and attention whilst driving,” he says.
“Today’s operation will also remind heavy vehicle drivers that they have a very important responsibility on our roads.
“We are checking drivers’ logbooks and work diaries to monitor working hours, investigating for unlawful modifications to vehicles and testing drivers for the presence or influence of drugs and alcohol.
“As speed is still a major contributing factor to crashes, we will also be conducting speed enforcement.”
A Qld blitz on the NSW border last month intercepted 184 vehicles
Queensland Police does not list specifics but mentions it “issued traffic infringement notices for offences including not having taken sufficient rest, not having proper load restraint, failing to complete a work diary and not wearing a seatbelt”.
“Heavy vehicle drivers are operating massive machines and it’s so important that they take their responsibility seriously,” Crang says.
“We want all Queenslanders to remain safe on our roads, particularly as we head into the upcoming festive season.”