VicRoads charges Cootes Transport

VicRoads has laid 67 charges against Cootes Transport, the actions stemming from safety breaches uncovered in October 2013

Embattled national freight firm Cootes Transport is back in the headlines, after VicRoads announced yesterday it is pressing 67 charges against the company in relation to safety breaches found across its heavy vehicle fleet in October 2013.

The inspections were made following the much-publicised Mona Vale tragedy in Sydney on October 1, 2013, when a Cootes Transport tanker lost control, overturned and burst into flames, the accident claiming two lives.

The inspections that ensued resulted in VicRoads and Victoria Police issuing 139 major defect notices for safety breaches.

With each charge attracting a maximum fine of $1443.60, if all 67 are proven Cootes will face a potential fine of over $96,000. The charges are due to be heard in the Victorian magistrates' court on July 16.

In a media statement the VicRoads Director of Regulatory Services, Richard Bell, said the charges sent a clear message to Australia's road freight industry.

"We have a very targeted and state-wide view on heavy vehicle safety," he said.

"VicRoads conducts about 40,000 random roadside checks of heavy vehicles every year and every inspection is recorded and analysed.

"If we have any concerns about the maintenance procedures of a heavy vehicle company, we will be attending the depot for a wider audit.

"We will continue to work with Cootes, and the entire industry in Victoria, to make sure heavy vehicle safety is taken seriously."

Meanwhile the owner of Cootes Transport, McAleese Group, has responded with a statement of its own, in which it has highlighted the company-wide restructure it has undertaken since the Mona Vale tragedy and the measures it has taken to rectify its safety and maintenance procedures.

"Cootes Transport continues to cooperate with and support the actions undertaken by VicRoads in relation to safety on our roads," the statement reads.

"The matters arising from these inspections have since been addressed by Cootes Transport, which is now in the final stages of a national restructure focussing on a smaller and more modern fleet with an average vehicle age of less than four years.

"The company has also invested in a comprehensive national safety and maintenance plan to improve its systems and processes, its maintenance infrastructure and training as part of its commitment to safer systems and safer roads."

VicRoads charges Cootes Transport

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