Roads authority tells transport industry to make sure loads are secure
July 20, 2012
Recent incidents involving unsecured loads have prompted the New South Wales road authority to issue a plea to the transport industry.
Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) Director of Compliance and Enforcement Peter Wells says there have been three crashes in as many weeks where load restraint was an issue. He says drivers need to ensure all locking devices are working.
“I strongly urge all those involved in the chain of responsibility to do everything they can to protect the community, their drivers and their businesses by loading heavy vehicles safely,” Wells says.
“The crash earlier this week on the Great Western Highway at Hartley, recent crashes on Tom Uglys Bridge at Blakehurst and the tragic crash in south-west Sydney which claimed the life of a man have highlighted the dangers which need to be considered when transporting containers.”
The man in south-west Sydney died when a truck’s load toppled and fell on top of the car he was travelling in. The truck was carrying a container full of timber.
“Load restraint is a key safety issue for the heavy vehicle industry. It is deeply concerning to see a third shipping container involved in a crash,” Wells says.
“These crashes are a keen reminder to consider all the dangers when loading heavy vehicles and to ensure trucks are not overloaded and loads are properly restrained for the safety of themselves and other road users.”
