An SA company has been charged by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) with a primary duty offence for allegedly remapping its heavy vehicle engines.
The charges stem from an SA Police operation that took place in June last year, with the matter due to head to the Berri Magistrates’ Court on March 24.
It is alleged that the operator disabled emission controls on the trucks. The NHVR will argue that checks conducted during the operation indicate the vehicle was not using Adblue, suggesting its emissions control system had been tampered with.
Examinations were conducted on other heavy vehicles registered to the company which form the basis of additional charges.
NHVR Executive Director of Statutory Compliance Ray Hassall said emissions tampering caused significant health and environmental risks. “Engine remapping is inconsistent with the primary duty to ensure safety under the HVNL, as the resultant increased emissions have the potential to harm the health of the driver and other members of the community.
“We know that truck drivers, who are constantly exposed to high levels of diesel emissions, suffer higher rates of diesel-related illnesses, including cancer, heart disease and asthma.
“Operating in a compliant way levels the playing field and supports the health and safety of drivers in their workplace.”
The company has been charged under section 26H (category 3) offence for breaching its primary duty to eliminate or minimise the risk of harm to the environment. The company has also been charged with four offences of tampering with emissions controls systems and four offences of operating a heavy vehicle other than in accordance with the manufacturer’s design.