EP roads in focus during safety compliance operation

Operation Eyre Safe began in May, following the closure of the rail line, which had previously transported grain in lower EP.

The end of the rail service is expected to increase in the volume of heavy vehicle traffic on roads within the Eyre Peninsula and into the Mid North

During yesterday's operation, Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure vehicle inspection officers, National Heavy Vehicle Regulator and specialist SAPOL sections, took place at 'The Tanks', a distinctive rest area at Lincoln Gap, south of Port Augusta.

During the testing of 1077 drivers for alcohol, there were no positive results, but of 98 required to submit a drug swab, five drivers returned positive drug tests.

Four drivers were reported for work diary offences and there was one critical fatigue notice.

Alarmingly one B-Double was found to have no working brakes on either trailer, with the vehicle grounded at Port Augusta until repair work is completed.

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Road safety scrutinised on EP

Superintendent Paul Bahr, the officer in charge of the Eyre Western Local Service Area, said police had been promoting road safety education for all motorists in the area all year.

He said his operation was focused on improving road safety through vehicle compliance, detection of drug and alcohol affected drivers and reducing the impact of illicit drug activity within the LSA.

"We are targeting all road users, not just heavy vehicles, but we know that there will be a lot of trucks travelling on the Eyre Highway," he said.

Superintendent Bahr said that large-scale compliance operations will be conducted regularly in the area during the harvest season, with the police keen to promote responsible driving behaviour all road users.

"It is important that everyone play their part," he said.

"All drivers need to be patient and give heavy vehicles the room they need to stop and manoeuver.

"Similarly heavy vehicle owners and operators need to comply with the law and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy at all times."