Of the 99 defects in 148 trucks, 92 were classified as major, for brakes, suspension or steering
October 29, 2013
South Australian Police have expressed concern and disappointment in the rate of defect notices issued in the State’s latest truck-safety initiative, Operation Wayward.
The two day blitz late last week Heavy Vehicle Enforcement Section and Western Adelaide Traffic Enforcement Section, along with officers from the Department for Planning, Transport and Infrastructure saw two-thirds of the heavy vehicles pulled over slapped with defect notices.
Of the 99 defects, 92 were classified as major defects, for brakes, suspension or steering.
Four defects were classed as minor, for tyres, and can be cleared at a nominated police station, and three defects were issued as formal cautions only.
Detective Inspector Peter Duance, Investigations Manager of the Traffic Support Branch, says “the fact that 66 per cent of heavy goods vehicles were defected is worrying.
“This defect rate in heavy goods vehicles examined during Operation Wayward is of concern in terms of road safety and the results indicate the need for similar type collaborative operations in the future.”
Operation Wayward results:
- 148 heavy vehicles examined
- 99 defect notices issued
- 33 expiation notices issued for work diary offences, seatbelt, mobile phones and vehicle standards
- 1 warrant arrest for drug trafficking
- 1 positive, methamphetamine.
