First part of VicRoads and Victoria Police initiative uncovers worrying amount of major issues with unroadworthiness in state's east
By Ruza Zivkusic-Aftasi | November 14, 2012
Three-quarters of the 145 trucks and trailers tested in the first part of Operation Trishula were found to have had major defects, VicRoads says.
A quarter of that number were brake related, VicRoads and Victoria Police found, with vehicles being towed away on the spot.
Operation Trishula, which commenced on October 8, targets unroadworthy trucks until June 2013 across Victoria.
Enforcement officers are checking brakes, suspension lights and mirrors at more than 30 locations across metropolitan Melbourne and rural Victoria.
One driver recorded a blood alcohol level of 0.03 and had his licence immediately suspended.
Two trucks were caught with no brakes on the rear axle.
The first phase of the operation was held in the eastern region of the state, with Traralgon found to have most offenders, VicRoads Manager of Compliance Policy and Strategy Don Leone says.
“VicRoads has found the operation to be a success so far, picking up some shocking results on the mechanical condition of some of the trucks,” Leone adds.
The figures are slightly down from last year’s operation, with 85 percent of vehicles caught with defects, and 77 percent being of serious risk for road users.
The authorities are currently inspecting vehicles in Dandenong until Friday.
“Truck operators should take these preliminary results as a warning sign that they need to check their trucks are safe,” Leone says.
“As mentioned, the main issue was brakes, so all truck drivers should ensure their bakes are checked regularly for their own safety and the safety of other road users.”
