Safety blitz in New South Wales reveals only one major defect and 21 minor faults in buses
Only one major defect has been found in a New South Wales blitz targeting safety and compliance in bus operations.
Operation Hanly 4 – run by the Joint Heavy Vehicle Taskforce involving NSW Police and Roads and Maritime Service – inspected buses at depots in Leichhardt and Punchbowl last week.
The crackdown is a result of recent incidents including fatal and serious crashes this year.
During the operation, 93 buses were inspected resulting in 21 defect notices being issued – one of which was considered a major defect.
These defects resulted from a variety of issues including oil and fuel leaks and ancillary equipment.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander Acting Assistant Commissioner Stuart Smith says this operation was to ensure fleet operators complied with safety and legislation.
“Operation Hanly has involved police and Roads and Maritime inspecting bus fleets across Sydney, Newcastle and the Illawarra,” he says.
“We are out there to ensure the passenger transport industry is operating safely and individual fleets are not putting lives at risk.”
Roads and Maritime Service General Manager Compliance Operations Paul Endycott says the buses have mandatory maintenance checks twice a year but the operation is about ensuring they meet high standards all year.
“These vehicles carry hundreds of thousands of passengers a year and as such must be maintained to the highest standards.”
National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) Chief Executive Sal Petroccitto lent his strong support to Roads and Maritime and NSW Police for today’s successful compliance health check.
“I’m also heartened by the good results achieved by the bus companies who cooperated with today’s operations,” he says.
“That means bus drivers and bus operators are listening to the safety messages and know their actions lead to safer roads for everyone.”
Officers also breath-tested 137 drivers and drug tested 96 with nobody testing positive for drugs or alcohol.