A man has been charged and police have issued 24 infringement notices to drivers following an investigation into fraudulent vehicle inspections in the Wagga Wagga area.
As part of ongoing traffic and vehicle compliance, officers attached to Riverina Highway Patrol Command commenced an investigation into fraudulently issued vehicle inspection reports in the state's south.
On Wednesday 17 March 2021, a 51-year-old man was arrested at an auto centre in Wagga Wagga.
He was taken to Wagga Wagga Police Station and charged with 10 counts of publish false misleading material to obtain advantage.
The man was granted conditional bail to appear in Wagga Wagga Local Court on Wednesday 19 May 2021.
As part of ongoing investigations, with assistance from Transport for NSW, officers conducted a compliance operation at RMS pits in Wagga Wagga on Saturday (20 March 2021).
During the operation, nine vehicles were examined and issued with labels and defects relating to non-compliance.
Police issued 24 infringement notices and 13 defect notices for assorted breaches of the Road Transport (Vehicle Registration) Regulation 2017, including leaking brake components, homemade suspension components that weren't certified, and dangerous bulbar protrusions.
Acting Inspector Brett Collins from Riverina Highway Patrol said during the operation investigators identified three fraudulently issued inspection reports from Authorised Inspector Stations (AIS).
"We are sending a strong message that if you are engaged with issuing fraudulent inspection reports, you can expect us to be paying a visit to your business and potentially laying criminal charges," A/Insp Collins said.
"This kind of behaviour creates significant risk in the community, when vehicles being used on public roads are not in fact roadworthy.
"Vehicles that don't meet standards are likely to be a contributing factor to collisions and fatalities."
Investigations are continuing.
Anyone with information about motor vehicle crime is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
