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  2. Heavy Vehicle Safety Being Put at Risk

Heavy Vehicle Safety Being Put at Risk

Media Releases

State Member for Wallsend, Ms Sonia Hornery MP, has called on the State Government to increase the number of heavy vehicle inspectors at the RMS Heavy Vehicle Inspection Stations at Newcastle, Singleton and Gosford, following a number of complaints about extensive waits to have vehicles inspected.

A number of drivers have contacted Ms Hornery’s office after they were unable to secure an inspection of their vehicles before their registration expired.

Due to the delays, drivers are being forced to have their vehicles inspected privately, at considerable expense to ensure they are able to register their vehicle. The drivers are then still required to have their vehicles inspected by the RMS and are charged another fee.

The Minister for Roads should ensure there are enough heavy vehicle inspectors employed so heavy vehicle drivers are not being stung by being double charges just to keep their vehicles on the road.

Ms Hornery has written to the Minister and will be raising the issue in Parliament today.

Quotes attributable to Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery

“The drivers who have contacted me are rightly upset that they are being stung twice for having their vehicles inspected. They are also facing having their vehicles off the road for two days, which means no income.”

“In an industry that is already seeing drivers forced to take shortcuts, drivers facing the choice of having to pay for two inspections and have their vehicles off the road for two days and for some, that is just too much.”

“Cuts to the RMS budget have seen the number of available inspections fall over the last 12 months.”

“Ensuring heavy vehicles are road worthy is a no brainer, we have seen the results of vehicles that are non-compliant.”

“The Minister must ensure there are enough inspectors to carry out the heavy vehicle inspections required and I will be raising this in Parliament this week.”

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