Vehicle inspections in Victoria now underway

Heavy vehicle roadworthy Operation Trishula has commenced in Victoria with vehicle inspections now underway.

VicRoads Manager of Compliance Policy and Strategy, Don Leone, said Operation Trishula is a joint operation involving VicRoads, Victoria Police and WorkSafe to ensure heavy vehicles travelling on the state’s roads meet the stringent roadworthy requirements.

Mr Leone said the campaign responds to a high number of unroadworthy heavy vehicles picked up during an operation conducted in outer Melbourne last year.

“The results from last year’s operation were quite shocking; 85 per cent of the vehicles we checked had defects, and 77 per cent were an imminent and serious risk to road user safety, the most common being defective brakes and suspensions,” Mr Leone said.

“All vehicles on our roads should be well maintained and roadworthy at all times. This is an important part of keeping our roads safe and reducing the risk of deaths and serious injuries from crashes. We are not out to fine people with this operation, what we are looking for are ways to keep our roads safe. The best outcome would be that we don’t catch anyone out.

“Operators and drivers should take this opportunity to check their vehicles for roadworthiness and make sure their maintenance practices are up to scratch. Times are tough for some operators, but that can’t be an excuse for unsafe vehicles on the road,” he said.

Victoria Police Road Policing Superintendant, Neville Taylor, said VicRoads, Victoria Police and WorkSafe are working together to ensure heavy vehicles are not putting their drivers and other road users at risk.

“Enforcement officers will be checking for issues including brakes, suspension, lights and mirrors, at more than 30 locations across metropolitan Melbourne and rural Victoria,” Supt Taylor said.

“Vehicles caught with a major defect, such as brake problems, must be fixed and then taken to a licensed roadworthy tester for inspection. Vehicles caught with minor defects, such as a broken tail light or cracked windscreen, are expected to be repaired within seven days of receiving a notice.”

Mr Leone said relevant industry bodies have expressed support for this roadworthiness operation through the Victorian Road Freight Advisory Council. “We appreciate the ongoing support of industry in spreading the message about the importance of keeping heavy vehicles in tip top shape,” Mr Leone said.

Operation Trishula will run until June 2013.

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