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Speeding truckie sparks investigation of operator

NSW Police and the RMS inspect the fleet of a Blacktown-based trucking company for evidence of speed limiter tampering

November 21, 2013

Authorities in New South Wales have inspected the fleet of a Blacktown-based trucking operator after one of its drivers was caught exceeding the speed limit.

NSW Police and the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) examined data downloaded from engine control modules. No defects were found, but authorities plan to intercept and inspect the remainder of the company’s trucks when they pass heavy vehicle checking stations throughout NSW.

The truck driver that caused authorities to visit the business was allegedly travelling 19km/h over the speed limit at Jugiong.

The 63-year-old Canberra man was issued with a traffic infringement notice for exceeding the speed limit and a defect notice for a non-compliant speed limiter.

“Drivers of operators caught speeding in NSW will be caught by Traffic and Highway Patrol officers and have no excuse for their dangerous actions,” NSW Police Assistant Commissioner John Hartley says.

“NSW Police have implemented a zero tolerance for speeding and the results speak for themselves. We have recorded 17 fewer fatal crashes and 20 fewer fatalities this year, compared to the same time last year.”

RMS Customer and Safety Acting Director Paul Endycott says speeding is a critical issue for the heavy vehicle industry.

“We are constantly talking to operators and stakeholders about the negative outcomes for drivers and operators who are engaging in speeding practices,” Endycott says.

“Drivers and operators that continue to speed can expect to be caught.”

Meanwhile, a truck driver in Victoria was caught driving with no hands and using a mobile phone.

He was issued with two infringement notices worth $506 and three demerit points for using a phone.

The 45-year-old Newport man from Melbourne was travelling along Maroondah Highway at Lilydale yesterday when Victoria Police officers spotted him driving while holding a phone and drinking a coffee.

Acting Sergeant Graeme Rust says the man claimed his Bluetooth piece was not working.

“How could someone be so stupid to drive with no hands on the wheel?” Rust says.

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