Senior managers from the Traffic & Highway Patrol Command and the Roads & Maritime Service hosted senior executives from Linfox and Ron Finemore Transport at the RMS Safety Station, Marulan, in the first 'Industry Engagement' day at Marulan yesterday.
State Operations Commander for Traffic & Highway Patrol Command, Superintendent Stuart Smith said the day was an important one for industry stakeholders allowing them frontline access to Joint Taskforce Operations. , NSW Police say
"It is important that industry executives see what police and RMS officers see at the roadside every day of the week," he said.
"While our joint enforcement programs are important for road safety, engagement and education is even more important for the benefit of industry wide compliance," said Supt Smith.
During the operation, officers conducted 33 random breath and drug tests and will allege one heavy vehicle driver provided a positive test to amphetamines.
That driver was given a notice prohibiting him from driving for 24 hours, and further legal action is pending.
Officers issued 22 infringements to drivers for fatigue, load restraint, work diary and failing to enter safety station offences.
One truck was identified with a non compliant speed limiter with a setting of 105.3kph. That truck was defected and grounded.
"For industry executives to see these results gives them a valuable insight into our daily operations," Superintendent Smith said.
"The Joint Taskforce is committed to road safety and will continue enforcement, education and engagement across industry for the benefit of all road users" said Supt Smith.
Paul Endycott, General Manager of Compliance Operations for the Roads & Maritime Service said this engagement day was an important step for the heavy vehicle industry.
"While this was the first opportunity to expose two of the biggest operators in the country to our joint enforcement capability, it certainly won’t be the last," said Mr Endycott.
"Our commitment to improve road safety is paramount, we are pleased these senior executives were able to see firsthand NSW Police and Roads and Maritime officers working closely together to ensure the safety of not only heavy vehicle drivers, but the safety of all road users," said Mr Endycott.
Craig Olsson, Group Manager Compliance (Asia Pacific) for Linfox, said that this was a significant opportunity for the heavy vehicle industry throughout Australia.
"For Linfox executives to be exposed to roadside enforcement not only reinforces our positive working relationship with the NSW Police & Roads & Maritime Service, it also reinforces our commitment to heavy vehicle safety and compliance Australia wide, " he said.
Mark Parry, Managing Director for Ron Finemore Transport, said the engagement day was a great opportunity to see how police and the RMS work together.
