Traffic and Highway Patrol Command Officers working alongside Roads and Maritime Services officers have intercepted 13806 trucks and trailers in the first week of Operation StateTrans.

As a result, 1609 defects have been applied to trucks and trailers for issues such as braking, fuel and oil leaks, steering, and other mechanical issues.

Officers have also issued 888 infringements and 317 breaches for a range of licence, registration, fatigue, loading, and other offences.

Inspectors have downloaded 321 Engine Control Modules so far during the operation, with 66 found to be non-compliant or tampered with, allowing speeds of over 100km/h on NSW roads. In addition, out of 756 random drug tests, 12 drivers tested positive and were given 24-hour prohibition notices from driving, and are pending further Court action.

Assistant Commissioner John Hartley said the key for the officers was identifying unsafe trucks and prosecuting non-compliant drivers and operators before a fatal or serious injury crash occurs on NSW roads.

“While the police and the RMS have jointly inspected over 13,000 trucks in a single week, the industry, and the road users of NSW should take some comfort that the ‘bottom 10%’ have been identified and taken off our roads.

“We know that it is only a small number of drivers, operators, and companies that continually do the wrong thing in an attempt to gain some sort of commercial advantage, which is why our joint work is important in both ensuring, and enforcing, heavy vehicle compliance on our roads,” Assistant Commissioner Hartley said.

Roads and Maritime General Manager Compliance Operations Paul Endycott said more than 300 heavy vehicle inspectors and investigators are working alongside NSW police for the month long operation across the state.

“Working in partnership with NSW Police in compliance operations like StateTrans, Roads and Maritime is able to target truck operators and companies who are sending drivers out on the road without the relevant checks and balances.

“It is crucial heavy vehicles operating across the network are compliant with road transport laws for the safety for all road users. Carrying out these large compliance operations means drivers will be encouraged to stick to safer road transport practices reducing the risk to motorists.
StateTrans, a joint initiative between Australian Police and Road Agencies continues throughout the month of May.