Heavy haulage drivers face police scrutiny

Heavy haulage operators in the Great Southern were the focus of police and road and transport agencies as part of a nationwide operation this week.

The focus on the transport industry is part of the joint annual Australian and New Zealand campaign called Operation Austrans.

Police worked alongside Main Roads to address key road safety issues in the heavy vehicle industry such as fatigue, speed, alcohol and drug use, as well as compliance with roadworthiness standards and procedures. Officers from the Great Southern traffic enforcement group stopped 110 heavy haulage vehicles on Hanrahan Road on Wednesday, with only four defect notices issued.

Great Southern traffic enforcement’s Sergeant Andrew Norton said the results were pleasing, with only one driver handed an infringement for breaching the zero blood alcohol limit for truck drivers.

“I was very impressed with the amount of compliance,” Sgt Norton said.

“Most drivers were highly receptive to what we were doing.”