Two government depots in Sydney were found to have multiple defects
A vehicle roadworthiness campaign has uncovered defects on News South Wales’ State Transit Authority (STA) buses operating out of depots in Leichhardt and Burwood.
The inspections carried out by the NSW Police Force covered 48 buses and uncovered 10 defects which ranged from loose light fixtures to cracked framework.
These particular buses were targeted as a result of a series of crashes which involved buses from the two depots.
Chief Inspector Phil Brooks of the NSW Highway Patrol says this type of inspection is important for vehicle compliance.
“As well as roadside enforcement, this is an important part of what we do,” Brooks says.
“The defects we found justified the operation being carried out.”
NSW police provided a list of incidents the company has been involved in over the last 12 months:
- 309 reported crashes
- 79 injury or fatal collisions
- 112 police vehicle stops
- 7 school zone speeds
- 24 other speeds
- 5 PCAs (LR and MRPCA) charges
- 1 drive whilst disqualified 2nd offence charge
- 1 negligent drive occasioning death charge
- 233 infringements for various traffic offences.
In response to the inspections, an STA spokesperson says the company began rectifying the issues immediately.
“If any faults are found, the bus is immediately repaired by qualified mechanics before it returns to service.
“During the inspections carried out at State Transit’s Burwood and Leichhardt depots last Thursday, there were 10 vehicles identified as having minor defects, most of which were rectified that same afternoon,” the spokesperson says.
“Every bus in State Transit’s fleet is subject to a vigorous maintenance regime, with all vehicles maintained to manufacturer’s specifications, as well as being inspected by RMS heavy vehicle inspectors twice a year.
“In addition to the RMS inspections, State Transit maintenance staff complete two more safety inspections of each bus between the RMS inspections.
“This means that each bus has four full safety inspections each year by qualified heavy vehicle mechanics or inspectors.”
NSW police say the inspectors flagged several defect issues which will need to be rectified before follow-up inspections in the near future.
At this time no charges or serious repercussions have been set for the operator.