Hundreds of trucks fail safety checks

Hundreds of trucks and heavy vehicles have been ordered off the roads by police because of safety worries.

Police figures indicate that as many as one in five heavy vehicles remains a risk on the road because of mechanical faults, ranging from faulty brakes or even cracked chassis to certificate of fitness breaches such as bald tyres or broken lights.

In the 21 months to the end of March, 355 vehicles were immediately taken off the roads by inspectors because they were not safe to be driven.

Repairs were ordered on a further 3100, out of 15,473 tested overall.

The Herald understands other vehicles with minor problems might not have been formally ticketed, police instead asking operators to fax proof that repairs had been made.

The ongoing concerns about the commercial vehicle fleet, which includes trucks, heavy trailers, buses and taxis, comes nine years after an official inquiry into the cause of truck crashes identified serious problems, particularly with brakes and load stability.

It was sparked by a spate of crashes and the 1995 death of Auckland man Des Paterson, who was killed when a truck-and-trailer unit tipped over on the Auckland Harbour Bridge, crushing his car.

Police Commissioner Rob Robinson confirmed there was still a problem with safety when he met MPs this month to debate police spending and was questioned about truck brake inspections.

"There is concern amongst the road safety community about the fitness of some of our heavy motor vehicles," he said.

One policeman since spoken to by the Weekend Herald described the condition of some trucks as disgraceful. Another source called some operators "cowboys".

But Road Transport Forum chief executive Tony Friedlander said the public should not be alarmed.

He said significant efforts had been made by the industry to improve safety, and that had been reflected in an Audit Office report released this year.

"The most important thing is we're making improvements in the crash rate.

"I don't think there are any grounds for people to be concerned."

Automobile Association spokesman George Fairbairn said he was surprised to hear the police figures were so high.

"I think the public will be disgusted. But it shows efforts are being made to make vehicles safe."

Mr Fairbairn said problem vehicles and operators had to be targeted. He said police tended to know who were the responsible operators and who would try to push the margin.

He said the economy was booming, which meant more trucks on the road carrying freight. "If it's going to be moved by trucks, we've got to be sure those trucks are safe.

"It is an issue. It has to be addressed."

The Audit Office report also showed essential maintenance was being left to the last minute by some operators while the condition of brakes on trucks remained "poor".