Heavy vehicle blitz in March pulls over 78 trucks, issues 67 notices
The South Australian Police service has released details on the latest heavy vehicle blitz on the notorious South Eastern Freeway descent.
Fatal truck accidents this decade saw tighter truck-driving rules there following a 2014 coroner’s inquiry, many of the recommendations of which the trucking industry and state government supported while some were found to have jurisdictional difficulties.
In this latest Heavy Vehicle Enforcement Section operation, from March 28 to April 1, police say two drivers were reported after 78 heavy vehicles were pulled over.
In total 67 drivers were issued with expiation notices, of which 21 were for issued for failing to use low gear and 10 were for failing to use the left lane during descent.
Another 36 drivers were issued with expiations for breaches of heavy vehicle regulations including logbook breaches.
Police will allege a heavy vehicle combination was observed travelling downhill in the incorrect gear with smoke coming from the brakes. When the truck was stopped the temperature of the brakes was measured at 270 degrees C.
A 65-year-old man from Parafield Gardens was reported for failing to have sufficient continuous rest in a 24 hour period and exceeding maximum work hours in a 24 hour period.
A 56-year-old man from Kaniva in Victoria was reported for drug driving, possession of a controlled substance and false entries in his Work Diary.
Both will be summonsed to appear in court at a later date.
Police also issued 37 major defect notices and four minor defect notices during the operation.
Superintendent Anthony Fioravanti, the officer in charge of the Traffic Support Branch, says police were disappointed with the results.
“Some drivers of heavy vehicles are putting their safety and the safety of other road users at risk by not adhering to the requirements to drive in the left lane and to select a low gear when descending into Adelaide,” Fioravanti adds.
Police will continue paying attention to vehicle maintenance in the heavy vehicle industry, he warned.
“This is a timely reminder to operators and owners to have a serious look at the condition of their vehicles,” he says.