The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has revealed the results of a recent cross-border blitz targeting heavy vehicles on the Eyre Highway.
Named Operation Compass, the blitz took place from May 2-7, running from Port Augusta in South Australia to the Western Australia border.
The NHVR revealed to Big Rigs that 210 heavy vehicle intercepts were conducted during the blitz – with a total of 640 units inspected (trucks and trailers).
According to the regulator, there was a non-compliance rate of 48.1 per cent; with 155 defect notices issued.
Of those defect notices, nine were listed as major, 78 were minor and 68 were self-clearing.
“During the operation, a number of compliance issues were identified and addressed, with mechanical non-compliance the primary area of concern. However, most of these offences were deemed minor or self-clearing,” an NHVR spokesperson said.
There were also 19 infringements issued for mass, loading, vehicle standard and fatigue-related offences; along with 96 education sessions provided to drivers.
“NHVR Safety and Compliance Officers worked closely with authorised officers from Main Roads WA to address two of the most critical risk factors within the heavy vehicle industry – driver fatigue and mechanical non-compliance,” the NHVR spokesperson continued.
“Heavy vehicle inspections and educational initiatives undertaken during Operation Compass were both significant in number and well-received by industry, with more than 600 heavy vehicle units inspected and more than 90 education sessions held.
“The NHVR will continue to work with industry via regular patrols and local operations, to increase compliance and ensure the safety of all road users travelling on the Eyre Highway.”