All 16 trucks submitted for inspection had no defects.
Cootes Transport’s fleet has been given the all-clear following a vehicle inspection in the wake of a tanker rollover last week.
New South Wales road transport agency the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) passed 16 trucks submitted for checks.
Cootes parent firm McAleese acted quickly after a Cootes gas tanker came to grief last week, badly injuring a female motorist. It offered 15 other Cootes trucks for safety inspections.
A NSW Police and RMS survey passed the fleet, including the crashed truck, as fit.
RMS director of safety and compliance Peter Wells says no defects were discovered.
“Cootes has been under examination by the taskforce since the fatal crash in Mona Vale in October 2013 and the 100 per cent compliance result of these units shows our stringent regime is working,” Wells says.
“A team of investigators has been working closely with Cootes to ensure the company complies with strict business processes and mechanical regimes, which has resulted in a significant improvement and upgrade in Cootes’ vehicle fleet.
“It is important and pleasing to be able to assure the community that this compliance process is effective and these vehicles are safe to operate on our roads.
NSW Police acting assistant commissioner Stuart Smith says the crash investigation continues and the inspections are necessary to ensure road safety.
He adds that joint enforcement efforts involving police and the RMS have helped reduce fatal crashes.
“There has been a 14 per cent reduction in heavy vehicle fatal crashes and a 24 per cent reduction in related deaths since 2012, which can be attributed in part to the joint enforcement programs,” Smith says.
“The joint traffic taskforce will continue to promote safety by ensuring heavy vehicle drivers and operators are observing road traffic law.”