Highway Patrol Units from Geelong and Colac immediately removed three trucks with “major hazards” from Victorian roads last week.
Operation Duel, which ran on Wednesday September 15, targeted truck roadworthiness on the Princes Highway at Waurn Ponds and involved four highway patrol units, with assistance from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR).
Three of the 55 trucks had major defects including a cracked wheel, damaged tyres, a structurally unsound trailer and faulty brakes, report police.
“All three trucks posed an imminent threat to road safety and were grounded immediately until they could be repaired at the scene or towed,” a statement said.
Police issued six on-the-spot infringement notices to truck drivers on the day, including several for failure to obey directions from police.
One of the infringement notices was issued to the driver of a car carrier who had failed to secure the rear vehicle, meaning it was secured only with its handbrake.
Eight trucks were found to be unroadworthy due to minor defects such as cracked windscreens, tyres in need of replacement, suspension wear and tear, and poor lighting.
Two truck drivers were caught behind the wheel while suspended and will be charged via summons to face court at a later date.
“Unroadworthy and dangerous trucks pose an enormous threat to the safety of all road users, and police are determined to stop them in their tracks,” said Senior Sergeant Craig Stevens, Greater Geelong Highway Patrol.
“It’s pleasing to see few trucks grounded during this latest safety operation in the Geelong area, but three dangerous trucks on our roads is three too many.
“Highway patrol units from across the Geelong region will continue to conduct similar operations on a regular basis to ensure everyone on our roads gets home safely.”