Over-length trucks ignoring over-length warning signs on Galston Gorge in New South Wales are becoming a real problem for police.
Recently 3 over length trucks in a row made their way through the Galston Gorge and police are warning that truckies who do this, risk losing their livelihoods.
Police in NSW are cracking down on truck drivers ignoring over-length signs after 3 trucks in quick succession breached the length restrictions last week.
The first of the 3 incidents happened around 10am when cameras identified a truck and dog combination. The truck measured 15.2 meters when the maximum permitted length is 7.5 meters.
While officers were still investigating the first truck, a second truck, a concrete aggregator travelled through the gorge while battling to navigate the bends.
While police escorted the vehicle they encountered a rigid truck travelling westbound into the gorge, also over the length limit. This truck was 11.1meters long. Both vehicles came together on a hairpin bend around 12pm and caused traffic to be significantly delayed. Police had to stop traffic as the second vehicle was turned around.
These incidents should serve as a warning for other truck drivers driving through the area about the consequences of ignoring the signs. All 3 drivers were fined $2196 and docked 6 demerit points. NSW Police say further penalties will be considered including registration or licence suspension, jeopardising the livelihood of these drivers.
In light of these incidents, NSW Police assistant commissioner John Hartley said,
“Despite significant signage warnings, measuring bays either at side of the gorge, and camera systems, we are still seeing numerous truck drivers taking the risk on the gorge,”
“The length restriction is in place at this location for the safety of truck drivers and all other road users, as longer vehicles can easily become stuck, potentially causing a crash and almost definitely creating significant traffic delays.
“Not only is it selfish for any driver of an over-length vehicle to use this route, it is an offence.
“In addition to the financial penalty, the driver may also place his or her license, truck, trailer and livelihood in jeopardy.”
RMS General Manager of Compliance Operations Paul Endycott said the number of over-length trucks attempting to navigate the gorge was “frustrating” especially because they had to ignore 13 signs approaching the gorge.
“There are 13 signs on the approaches to Galston Gorge and they are not there for decoration,” he says.
“Not only could these drivers create lengthy and unnecessary delays for other road users, they are putting their own safety at risk.”
Cameras have now been erected at the gorge to record the details over every over-length truck entering the area. Endycott said the RMS would be taking a zero tolerance approach toward offenders and drivers who continue to ignore restrictions will be prosecuted.
“We will apply the full force of the law, including possible rego and licence suspensions for up to three months,” he says.
