New fines and levy increase for the South Eastern Freeway

The South Australian government has announced on May 1 new offences and penalties will come into effect on The South Eastern Freeway for trucks and buses driving unsafely on the down-track.

Truck and bus drivers caught committing low gear and speeding offences, by 10 kilometers an hour or more but less than 20 kilometers an hour, could lose six demerit points, receive a six-month licence disqualification and face an expiation fee of $1036.

The body corporate levy which applies to business that fail to nominate the driver responsible for speeding offences will also increase from $300 to 25,000.

The amendments to the Road Traffic Act 1961, Motor Vehicles Act 1959 and supporting regulations aim to improve road safety on the South Eastern Freeway and reduce heavy vehicle crashes involving brake failure and excessive speed.

The amendments implement recommendations from a Coronial Inquest following two serious crashes in 2010 and 2014 involving out-of-control heavy vehicles that resulted in loss of lives and serious injuries.

Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government Stephan Knoll said the government is implementing legislative changes to crack down on truck and bus drivers who drive unsafely and put the public in harms way.

“These tough new penalties will act as an even greater deterrent to those thinking about doing the wrong thing and driving unsafely putting others at risk.

“All road users have a significant responsibility to other motorists and the general public to drive responsibly and safely. However, truck and bus drivers have an even greater responsibility because clearly the vehicles they operate pose a greater risk to the community when not driven safely and appropriately.” Mr. Knoll said.

Existing speeding penalties continue to apply to trucks and buses that exceed the relevant speed limit by less than 10 kilometers per hour.

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