Police Operation Finds Almost Half of All Trucks Defective

Share This Post

The New South Wales authorities recently conducted the 4th installment of Operation Catapult, a blitz on trucks in south-west and western Sydney. The Operations are being conducted by a Joint Taskforce consisting of NSW Police Traffic & Highway Patrol Command officers, Roads and Maritime (RMS) Inspectors, and NSW Environment Protection Authority. During the blitz officers detected a series of alleged shortfalls with more than 50% of trucks inspected found to be defective. The operation began in March, with the latest installment intercepting truck and dog heavy vehicles along the M4. Officers inspected 95 trucks and trailers during the operation which resulted in 5 non-compliant electronic speed limiters detected, 32 infringements issued and 54 defect notices issued. Authorities have promised to continue with the Joint Task Force operations until vehicles are compliant. Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy of the Traffic & Highway Patrol Command explained,

“Operation Catapult is one of many operations undertaken by the Joint Traffic Task Force in order to keep unsafe trucks and drivers off our roads,” Corboy adds. “We work closely with Roads and Maritime and the NSW Environment Protection Authority to ensure trucks are safe and compliant.

Source: https://www.ownerdriver.com.au/industry-news/1707/operation-catapult-4-uncovers-compliance-shortfalls He went on to list the infringements and defect notices detected by officers during the latest blitz,

“Together, today we issued 34 infringements and handed out 54 defect notices for trucks that are not roadworthy and a danger to all road users.”

Source: https://www.ownerdriver.com.au/industry-news/1707/operation-catapult-4-uncovers-compliance-shortfalls Once again authorities reminded all parties in the road transport supply chain that they need to actively address heavy vehicle compliance. RMS director of compliance Roger Weeks said steps must be taken to prevent mass, load restraint, dimension, and fatigue and speed offences or risk facing heavy fines.

“Roads and Maritime is responsible for detecting, investigating and prosecuting breaches of the chain of responsibility laws,” Weeks says. “Roadworthiness of the truck fleet is also critically important, and Roads and Maritime inspectors will defect trucks which don’t meet the required safety standards.

Source: https://www.ownerdriver.com.au/industry-news/1707/operation-catapult-4-uncovers-compliance-shortfalls Mr Weeks explained why these operations are so crucial, highlighting the safety of all road-users. He went on to explain,