Truckie banned from driving until 2038 among number of drivers busted in latest multi-agency operation targeting heavy vehicles
May 20, 2013
A truck driver banned from getting behind the wheel until 2038 was among a number of drivers caught flouting the law during the latest campaign targeting heavy vehicle compliance.
Police from New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, the Roads and Maritime Services and the NSW Environment Protection Agency (EPA) wrapped up a two-day multi-agency initiative on May 16 targeting heavy vehicles on the Barton Highway.
Drivers were subjected to drug and alcohol tests and vehicle inspections. A total of 297 breath tests and 239 drug tests were conducted resulting in five positive drug samples.
A total of 45 heavy vehicles were also inspected, with 44 defect notices and 27 traffic infringement notices issued. EPA officers also conducted 47 dangerous goods inspections.
“A man was arrested and charged after it was discovered he was disqualified from driving until 2038 and allegedly found in possession of drugs (amphetamines),” a statement from NSW Police says.
“Police will allege the man had been using a number of alias names and had a fake drivers licence to avoid detection. He was charged with not carry work diary, drive while disqualified, possess fraudulent licence and possess prohibited drug.”
Police and inspectors also downloaded 40 heavy vehicle electronic control modules, detecting nine speed limiter non-compliance breaches.
“A truck with its speed limiter tampered with can allow the vehicle to travel well in excess of the speed limit. In effect the truck becomes a dangerous weapon,” NSW Police Superintendent Stuart Smith says.
He says the cooperation from interstate police, the RMS and the EPA plays a vital part in improving road safety and has warned the industry further operations are on the way.
“There is no place in the trucking industry for drivers who shirk responsibility, fail to keep their vehicles roadworthy and put the lives of other motorists at risk,” Smith says.
“Removing unsafe vehicles, dangerous goods and rogue truck drivers from our roads remains a major priority.
