The Australian Trucking Association has welcomed the NSW Government’s decision to ground trucks caught travelling at more than 115 km/h.

NSW Roads and Ports Minister Duncan Gay made the decision after a series of police investigations into speed limiter issues. These speed limiters are a legal requirement, and limit heavy trucks to travelling no faster than 100 km/h on the flat.

The announcement implements a long-standing call for action by the ATA. The ATA had long argued that any truck found travelling on the flat at more than 100 kilometres per hour should be issued with a defect notice, because it must, by definition, have a defective speed limiter.

The ATA has also argued that trucks found travelling at more than 115 kilometres per hour should be grounded until the defect is cleared.

The Chief Executive of the ATA, Stuart St Clair, said “The ATA is pleased to see that our call for action on these speeding trucks is being heeded, and would like to congratulate Mr Gay on prioritising the safety of all those who use the roads.

“The great majority of people in Australia’s trucking industry are safe, professional and responsible in their work. They do the right thing and are compliant with the law.

“However, there are a small number who are not. These people are a danger to themselves and others, and these attitudes are not welcome in the industry.

“Yet whilst it is important to ground those trucks and drivers immediately, it is also vital that the freight not be held up, particularly if it is perishable. As a result, the defect notice should only apply to the prime mover and not the trailer.

“The ATA also would like to reiterate that the vast majority of operators provide professional, safe and efficient service.”