Multi-agency operation targets road safety

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This is a joint media release between ACT Policing, Access Canberra, and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator.

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ACT Road Policing, Safety and Compliance Officers from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) and vehicle inspection officers from Access Canberra conducted a targeted operation yesterday (Monday, 7 August 2023) addressing multiple road safety issues.

Drivers on the Monaro Highway were stopped during morning and afternoon operations where police and their road safety partners were seeking to identify: 

• Unregistered and/or uninsured vehicles 

• Unroadworthy vehicles 

• Drivers who were under the influence of alcohol or drugs 

• Load safety issues 

• Professional driver logbook issues 

• Heavy vehicles with excess weight or unsecured loads 

Across the day the following activities occurred: 

• 3294 random breath tests were conducted 

• 31 drug driving tests were conducted 

• 90 defect notices were issued 

• 52 infringement notices were issued for offences including unlicenced, unregistered/uninsured vehicles and unrestrained children.  

• Two people will be issued summons for unlicenced driving and drug driving.  

ACT Policing Sergeant Travis Mills said that today's activities were just one way police and their partners both enforce the road rules and spread the message about road safety.   

“Today’s activities are a reminder about ensuring your vehicle is registered and insured, is roadworthy and has been loaded safely,” Sergeant Mills said. 

“Outside of these large-scale operations, police will continue to conduct roadside alcohol and drug screening at any time, on any road in marked and unmarked vehicles.  

Derise Cubin, Executive Branch Manager, Licensing and Registration, Access Canberra said that it’s important for vehicle owners to understand roadworthy requirements and ensure that their vehicle continues to meet safety standards. 

“Road worthiness is vital, because if a vehicle doesn't meet safety and operating standards, it can lead to accidents, damaged property, injury or death,” Ms. Cubin said.  

NHVR Chief Operating Officer Paul Salvati said the regulator was always proud to work with its partners to promote safer roads.  

“It’s important for us to continually work with government and other agencies to achieve the same goal – making sure drivers are reaching their destination safely,” he said. 

“The joint operation was a great opportunity to team up and target issues such as fatigue, defects and even just answer drivers’ questions. 

“"It was also extremely encouraging for both police and our officers to observe most drivers and operators doing the right thing, and complying with the Heavy Vehicle National Law.” 

ACT Policing and its partners continue to urge drivers to obey the road rules. They are there to keep all road users safe and are not optional.    

MEDIA ENQUIRIES  

POLICE MEDIA — (02) 5126 9070, act-police-media@afp.gov.au