Gay’s comments on truck repair failures relate to industry generally rather than to one firm specifically
By Rob McKay | December 9, 2013
Elements in the New South Wales trucking industry can take Roads Minister Duncan Gay’s comments on truck repair failures as relating generally rather than specifically to Cootes Transport tankers, his office has confirmed.
Gay was strong in his criticism of trucks being returned to Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) inspectors with substandard or no repairs, at a time when Cootes’ parent McAleese revealed some of its repaired tankers had failed to pass re-inspection several times.
But his office has confirmed that the issue is wider than one company.
“This intervention was prompted by inspections of the broader tanker fleet and our concerns with heavy vehicles that were being returned for defect clearance with defects still evident,” a spokesperson says.
“It also follows findings through our Operation Steels in the Sydney metropolitan area that have largely focused on non-compliance with vehicle standards and roadworthiness.”
Gay has pledged to change related regulations, a quicker process than changing legislation as it only needs the ascent of the Governor after being sought by the Minister, rather than a new law.
RMS says it is developing regulation changes and this “normally take two to three months”.
“Defect notices clearly identify faults to be rectified for the vehicle to be made compliant,” RMS says.
“Any operator who needs to clear a defect notice must ensure appropriate measures are taken so the vehicle is safe and roadworthy.”
RMS would not be drawn on whether truck repairers will also come under scrutiny.
“These matters are still under investigation and it would be inappropriate to make any specific comment at this stage,” a spokesman says.
“These licensed repairers are managed by the Motor Vehicle Repair Industry Council.”
