Officers attached to the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Heavy Vehicle Taskforce conducted an operation targeting a waste management company within the Sydney metropolitan area today, NSW Police say.
The operation follows a crash at Earlwood on 19 August 2016, which left a pedestrian with serious leg injuries.
About 9:30am today officers attended three addresses in Peakhurst, Blacktown and Erskine Park conducting an audit of the company’s vehicles.
Officers inspected 49 vehicles, conducting 29 random breath tests (RBT) and 22 mobile drug tests (MDT). None returned a positive result.
As a result of the operation, officers grounded one vehicle for failing to comply with vehicle registration standards as it had a punctured fuel tank and hydraulic leak. A further three vehicle were issued with major defects for mechanical failings.
Officers issued a further eight minor defect notices for various mechanical issues which were located amongst the fleet.
A 30 year-old-male was issued an infringement notice for not properly displaying his vehicle registration label.
Fatigue management records were also inspected by officers during the operation.
Assistant Commissioner John Hartley, Commander of the Traffic & Highway Patrol Command, said it is important that waste management companies such as this one conduct their business in a safe manner.
"Considering that these trucks are in residential areas often, it is imperative that they adhere to strict safety standards. Any non-compliance issue could result in very serious injury or a death, and it is for this reason that we will continue to target non-compliant trucks, drivers and operators.
"The Heavy Vehicle Taskforce is committed to road safety and will continue enforcement to ensure all road users are not put at any risk. These types of operations will continuously be initiated at any time to address ongoing non-compliance on our roads.
"We know that the waste management industry is essential for NSW, and Australia, and that is more the reason that it needs to be fully compliant, and operate safely, at all times, for the benefit of all road users," Assistant Commissioner Hartley said.
