Road Safety Week: 104 infringement notices issued to heavy vehicle drivers

Thirty five heavy vehicles were classed as unsafe and ordered off the road Photo / File

More than 100 tickets have been issued to heavy vehicle drivers in just four days as part of a safety operation in the South Island.

Road Safety Week focused on heavy vehicle safety down South with 1000 heavy vehicles stopped and 104 infringement notices issued between May 16 and 22.

Infringement notices were issued for a variety of offences including mobile phone use and logbook omissions as well as overweight or insecure loads and vehicles failing certificate of fitness standards.

The operation was hailed as a success by Inspector Bruce O'Brien. "The operation was not about issuing infringement notices but about speaking with heavy motor vehicle drivers and reminding them of important safety measures they can take to keep the roads safe for themselves and all road users," said Mr O'Brien.

During the operation, drivers were reminded of the need to be alert at the wheel as fatigue is a serious risk factor for all drivers.

"It is important that motorists know that the big rig coming down the road is safe and roadworthy and the driver is sharp and alert. We want all road users to complete their journey without incident and get home to their friends and family unharmed," Mr O'Brien said.

Some of the heavy vehicles stopped were showing signs of poor maintenance with 35 vehicles classed as being unsafe and ordered off the road while defects that required immediate attention were identified in a further 13 vehicles.

The operation was undertaken with other road policing partners and, over the four days, checkpoints were held in Blenheim, Ashburton, Christchurch City and North Canterbury.

Across the four sites, 33 infringement notices were issued in Christchurch City, 31 in Blenheim, 21 in North Canterbury and 19 in Ashburton.