Minister issues challenge at heavy vehicle forum
7th June 2012Ministerial media release
NSW Roads Minister Duncan Gay and Police and Emergency Services Minister Michael Gallacher have issued a challenge to the heavy vehicle industry - be part of the solution to stop speed related crashes or accept the consequences.
The Ministers took part in an industry forum hosted by Roads and Maritime Services and NSW Police at the Australian Technology Park today.
"We have seen some encouraging results from the joint operations carried out recently where heavy vehicle drivers and operators were targeted for speed limiter compliance," Mr Gay said.
"The fact we have a rogue minority putting the rest of the industry under the spotlight is not acceptable.
"Today we are issuing a challenge for everyone in the chain, from the operators to the drivers, loaders to the mechanics - stick to the rules or we will catch up with you," Minister Gay said
Minister Gallacher said industry leaders had taken part in the forum today to discuss ways forward for RMS and NSW Police to help change the behaviour of the few who ignored the law.
"Speeding was a factor is 27 per cent of fatal heavy truck crashes in 2009-2011 and 15 per cent in all recorded heavy truck crashes for the same period," Minister Gallacher said.
"RMS and NSW Police have been focused on compliance in areas such as speeding and heavy vehicle driver fatigue for a long time.
"The tragic triple fatality at Menangle was a tipping point - the community, the government and industry leaders all want it to stop.
"All road users deserve to feel safe on NSW roads and this is an issue the Government is determined to tackle," Minister Gallacher said.
"Support from industry leaders for the efforts of our enforcement officers has been greatly appreciated. It clearly demonstrates everyone is keen to see this irresponsible behaviour eliminated.
"We have the commitment of RMS and NSW Police to enforce important compliance and speeding laws as required," Minister Gallacher said.
"While most truck drivers do the right thing and obey speed and chain of responsibility laws, there are those who blatantly flout the law. We will not tolerate this behaviour any longer.
"We want to achieve an outcome where speed limiter tampering and heavy vehicle speeding is viewed as socially unacceptable as drink driving," Minister Gallacher concluded.
"The forum today is an opportunity for the leaders in the heavy vehicle industry and the supply chain to direct industry to be safer and stop the stupidity of speed limiter tampering and the extreme speeding we come across almost on a daily basis," Mr Gay said.
"We all want a safe and productive industry. It would be a great achievement to see industry leadership on this important issue.
"Let me be clear - we are not just targeting those driving the trucks or who might have fitted the tampering devices.
"Deadlines must be reasonable. Those with off-road supply chain responsibilities must also make sure they are not setting deadlines which may cause drivers to speed.
"Vehicle manufacturers and those responsible for the illegal installation or maintenance of speed limiting equipment also have a key responsibility in helping to save lives. We are asking you to speak out against this behaviour before more lives are lost."
The Ministers today encouraged all links in the chain to share their views on what could be done to help industry to succeed while stamping out those tarnishing the integrity of the majority.
"Today will be the starting point. The challenge has been offered. Those who continue to do the wrong thing will be caught."
Minister issue challenge at heavy vehicle forum (PDF 149KB)