Trucks grounded under new laws
Two trucks were grounded for travelling with unsecured loads by heavy haulage inspectors and police in Karratha last week under new laws which came into effect on April 27.
A joint operation of Pilbara Traffic and Main Roads WA targeted heavy vehicles on April 29 and 30 in Dampier, Karratha and its light industrial area, and on North West Coastal Highway.
Pilbara traffic Acting Sergeant Geoff Pritchard said with the recent changes to road transport laws, more people became responsible for loose loads than just drivers.
He said if a load was not secure, those who loaded it or managed it could also come under scrutiny.
There were 34 vehicles stopped on the first day of the operation and 34 drug tests administered.
The one positive reading came from a 29-year-old man in a car.
On the second day of the operation, 48 vehicles were stopped.
All drivers tested negative for drugs, but eight work orders were issued.
Sgt Pritchard said it was pleasing to see the heavy haulage industry acting responsibly.
"We're certainly pleased with the results, and pleased drugs-wise … not many defects were picked up and it shows drivers and operators are looking after their vehicles and the employers are doing the same," he said.
Sgt Pritchard said a focus would remain on the heavy haulage industry this month with Operation Austrans, an Australia and New Zealand wide trucking operation.
