Deadly loads on our roads

Story from Daily Telegraph, written by Joe Hildebrand, January 26

THE RTA is so short-staffed it cannot man a single heavy vehicle checkpoint today, roads inspectors have warned.

They say truckies are using public holidays to move dangerous loads because they know they won't be checked.

While the State Government hands out double demerit points to ordinary motorists, it is understood truckies are regularly driving illegally on public holidays and other times they know checkpoints will not be staffed.

This is despite Government attempts to give the appearance of checking stations being open by leaving the signs illuminated.

The situation is potentially deadly, with frustrated vehicle inspectors saying it is only a matter of time before fatalities follow.

One inspector, referring to last month's crash when a truck injured 14 people as it ploughed into a McDonald's, said: "Death will be incurred. We will just have to wait for another Mt Ousley.''

Only 2 per cent of vehicles in NSW are heavy trucks but they account for 17 per cent of fatal crashes. There is also generally a spike in crashes on long weekends and during holiday periods.

Yet the chronic staff shortages mean not one of the RTA's seven heavy vehicle checking stations across NSW will be open today.

The stations are also often closed on weekends and during holiday periods. They used to be manned 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

"Road safety is beginning to be affected as operators are taking the risk and moving the oversized loads and illegal vehicles at illegal times on the highway,'' another inspector said.

"Operators have come to know when the stations are manned and are taking the risk.''

At one inspection station there are supposed to be 22 staff. Instead there are just 14.

The Public Service Association said staff attrition had already stretched workers to the limit and any further cuts, such as those proposed by Opposition Leader Peter Debnam, would cripple the service altogether.

"We're particularly worried about Mr Debnam's assertion that he will target the RTA in his bid to cut 20,000 jobs from the public sector,'' PSA general secretary John Cahill said.

The RTA said station closures depended on the traffic volumes and "intelligence regarding heavy vehicle compliance''.