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Series of raids target trucking operator after crash

Targetting the one heavy vehicle operator, yesterday’s raids found a range of defects, work diary breaches and infringements

 

A heavy vehicle operator has been the subject of a series of raids across the country this week in response to crash on New South Wales’ M7 motorway on Monday, September 12 that caused major traffic delays.

Lead by NSW traffic and highway patrol command, with the aid of the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS), the NSW leg of the raids – named Operation Avery – saw 93 trucks and trailers inspected and 23 infringement notices issued.

Of those 23, 16 were for work diary fatigue offences.

When it came to the vehicles, two were deemed to have a major defect, one for cracked cradle belts on the chassis/suspension and the other for worn tyres and brake systems.

The NSW raid also found 18 minor defects for mechanical, braking, and oil and leak issues.

The download of five trucks’ engine control modules revealed one truck to be non-compliant to the 100km/h speed limiter.

RMS general manager compliance operations Paul Endycott says the raid was the result of the suspected involvement of fatigue in the M7 crash.

“The intercept of more than 95 heavy vehicle units confirmed compliance system failures in the company were more widespread than this one crash,” he says.

“The need for the taskforce to take a closer look at the operations of the company was quickly realised. Working side by side with Traffic and Highway Patrol we have identified areas of improvement the company needs to make urgently.

“I am pleased to say the company has been co-operative and we will work closely with management to ensure heavy vehicles are operating at a safe standard expected of all operators and parties in the supply chain.

“There is a message for all in this. Heavy vehicle operations must be managed properly for the safety of all road users. Closing major arterial routes due to business failings will not be tolerated and action will be swift to change non-compliant cultures.”

Information from the other raids across the country is yet to be announced.

 

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