Police are continuing to focus on defective vehicles on the state’s roads in an effort to reduce significant risks to all road users, NSW Police say.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Stuart Smith of the state’s Traffic and Highway Patrol Command said the focus will continue to ensure road safety is everyone’s priority.
"Those driving any vehicle accept full responsibility once they turn the ignition on," Acting Assistant Commissioner Smith said.
"Defective vehicles on our roads pose significant threats to other road users, particularly in heavy braking situations, where poor brakes and tyre wear will most likely lead to a serious injury or fatal crash on our roads," he said.
In the last financial year, officers issued 19,998 defects to vehicles for various violations such as mechanical, brakes, tyres, fuel and oil leaks, head and brake lamps, and other faults.
This number was up from 19,283 issued the financial year before. Those issued with a defect receive an infringement notice for $108, and are given a notice to have the vehicle repaired.
Those receiving a minor defect notice will have a yellow label affixed to the windscreen of the vehicle, allowing between 24 hours and 10 days for repair. Those receiving a major defect will be directed to drive to the nearest place of repair for immediate rectification.
Vehicles considered dangerous will be given a red defect, and will be towed away for immediate repair. In each case, owners will have to take their vehicles to an authorised inspection station for clearance of the defect.
Those found driving vehicles after defects have been applied and not corrected face further penalties between $325 and $433, carrying between one and three demerits points.
In the last financial year, the top 10 locations for defects were;
Singleton: 483
Muswellbrook: 361
Kempsey: 337
Port Macquarie: 252
Frederickton: 226
Nowra: 171
Coffs Harbour: 154
Albury: 149
Coonamble: 129
St Ives: 128
Acting Assistant Commissioner Smith said that much of road safety is about personal responsibility.
"If you can’t be responsible for your vehicle, and your driving, police will hold you accountable. The identification of defective vehicles is about putting those cars, trucks, buses, and motorcycles off the road before a crash happens, for the benefit of preventing serious injury, or even death."
"With the road toll currently at 225, 44 more than this time last year, those using vehicles need to be fully responsible for their vehicle, and their actions, on our roads," Acting Assistant Commissioner Smith said.
