Impaired driving, mechanical standards and road restraints were the focus of a heavy vehicle operation that took place in south west NSW earlier this week.
Operation Convoy was established by officers from the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, to provide a high-visibility police presence and target unsafe heavy vehicle driver behaviours.
The four-day operation took place between Sunday 11 April and Wednesday 14 April 2021, targeting heavy vehicles travelling through NSW via the Cobb, Mid-western and Sturt Highways.
Officers stopped more than 500 heavy vehicles as part of the operation.
Of the 221 random roadside drug tests, seven positive results were obtained.
More than 200 infringement notices were issued for a range of offences relating to fatigue, load restraints and dimensional breaches.
A further nine defects and eight cautions were issued against heavy vehicles.
Acting Inspector Brett Collins from the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command said recent incidents sparked the police operation.
“Police held concerns following several serious heavy vehicle crashes on regional roads,” A/Insp Collins said.
“Driver error, inadequate load restraints and poor mechanical standards were all contributing factors to recent crashes, and this operation really focused on targeting those unsafe behaviours.
“We strongly encourage drivers of heavy vehicles to ensure they are practicing safety at all times. This means checking your load, taking regular breaks and complying with road rules and relevant legislation.
“We’re also putting employers on notice; if we see heavy vehicle drivers doing the wrong thing you can expect a knock on the door and further investigations to take place.
“Heavy vehicles remain over-represented in serious crashes, and we want to reduce this as much as possible.”
Anyone with information about dangerous driving behaviours is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
