Police from the Joint Traffic Task Force have conducted a compliance operation at two bus depots in the wake of a serious crash at Parramatta on Sunday.
About 10am today (Thursday 18 July 2019), police from the task force joined Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) Inspectors to conduct the audits at bus depots in Hoxton Park and Smithfield.
At the Smithfield depot, 13 buses were inspected and three minor defect notices were issued. Brake tests were conducted on the buses, and all were found to be compliant. Police conducted 18 breath tests with no positive readings.
At the Hoxton Park depot, 16 buses were inspected, with seven minor defect notices issued. One Traffic Infringement Notice (TIN) was also issued for a defective tyre.
Police conducted 41 breath test and drug tests at that depot with no positive readings.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Command Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy said Joint Traffic Task Force Operations were run to save lives of all road users.
"Given the important work that local buses perform every day of the week, it is imperative that they are safe and compliant," Assistant Commissioner Corboy said.
"The Joint Traffic Task Force will continue to respond to any major heavy vehicle crashes involving trucks, buses, and other large vehicles to ensure those fleets are being driven, serviced, and managed safely on our roads.
"No matter who the operator is, we will continue to conduct these sorts of operations and make no apologies for detecting and prosecuting any offences that put lives at risk," Assistant Commissioner Corboy said.
Today's operations followed a collision between a bus and three pedestrians near the intersection of Argyle and Church streets at Parramatta on Sunday night (Sunday 14 July 2019).
One of the pedestrians, a 16-year-old girl, was trapped under the bus until she was freed about 11.15pm. She was taken to Westmead Hospital where she remains in a critical but stable condition.
The two other female pedestrians, also aged 16, sustained minor injuries and were taken to Westmead Hospital for treatment.
The bus driver, a 62-year-old man, was taken to Westmead Hospital where he remains under observation. He has also undergone mandatory testing.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
