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Keeping unsafe vehicles and operators off Australia’s roads is critical to protecting drivers, industry workers and the broader community.
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has secured a Supreme Court injunction preventing a Queensland-based transport company and its director from operating after they repeatedly ignored prohibition notices.
The actions follow the detection of more than 200 mechanical faults and almost 70 offences across the fleet over two years.
NHVR Executive Director of Statutory Compliance Paul Alsbury said the company’s compliance history demonstrated a clear disregard for safety obligations.
“The company had 16 heavy vehicles inspected from their fleet and each one was found to be defective,” Mr Alsbury said.
“Any defective heavy vehicle poses a safety risk, and operators have a responsibility to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and properly maintained to protect their drivers and all road users.”
Mr Alsbury said prohibition notices were issued directing the company to cease transport activities after the defects and safety risks were identified.
“Prohibition notices are put in place to stop activities that pose a serious risk to safety and remain until the risks are addressed,” he said.
“Despite three prohibition orders issued against the company and one for the director, they continued to operate.
“The Supreme Court has now granted the NHVR an injunction order, meaning they will be defying a court order if they continue to operate, exposing them to significant fines or imprisonment.”
Mr Alsbury said the outcome sends a strong message to industry that operators of heavy vehicles who ignore their safety obligations will be held to account.
“It’s each operators' responsibility to do everything they can to make transport actions safe, which is why it’s called the primary duty.
“Blatantly ignoring that duty and continuing to operate unsafe heavy vehicles is unacceptable.
“The NHVR will continue to ensure operators remain accountable and comply with the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL).”
More information on NHVR prosecutions and the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL).