Heavy vehicle safety and roadworthiness has been brought under the spotlight under a new initiative launched by VicRoads in conjunction with Victoria Police and WorkSafe Victoria.

 

Operation Trishula has been launched in response to the high number of unroadworthy heavy vehicles picked up during an operation conducted 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 and imminent and serious risks for road user safety, the most common being defective brakes and suspensions,” VicRoads Manager of Compliance Policy and Strategy Don 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 is ways to keep our roads safe. The best outcome would be that we don’t catch anyone out.

 

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,” Mr Taylor said.

“Vehicles caught with a major defect, such 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.”

 

Operation Trishula will run from 8 October 2012 to June 2013.