More than half those weighed by police and transport officials at the Princes Highway’s Newmerella rest area were too heavy, five of them by more than a staggering 20 percent. And many tow vehicles had inadequate rear-view mirrors.
The policeman who helped organise the two days of inspections claimed there was a “culture of non-compliance” amongst caravanners.
Acting Sergeant Graeme Shenton told Caravanning News that many owners believed it was “highly unlikely” their rigs would end up on the scales.
“It was just about impossible to find anyone that could give a firsthand account of being weighed while on their travels,” he said.
“This perception has created a culture of non-compliance amongst caravanners … ‘we won’t get caught so let’s not be too worried about the weights’.”
No fines were issued during the two day blitz but errant caravanners were issued with information sheets.
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Caravans line up for weight checks at the |
Act SGt Shenton is himself a keen caravanner and close follower and member of serveral online forums.
“As a caravanner and member of Victoria Police, I am able to look at these issues from both side of the fence,” he said.
With every posting of yet another caravan crash or rollover, the talk always turns to the number of rigs travelling around overweight. “We have all seen the huge ‘van on the back of a small dual cab, loaded with bikes, generators and tinnies.
Anecdotal evidence runs riot across social media about the numbers of these overweight ‘vans and the dangers they potentially pose to other road users.
I decided to do something about changing the culture of non-compliance and to do this I needed to show that police are going to take an interest in caravans and that being weighed is something that can‒ and will ‒ happen.
I wanted to change attitudes to travelling safely. I want people to be more concerned about their safety than being fined.”
During the two days:
• 71 caravans were weighed.
• Only three drivers knew all their ratings.
• Most had an idea of what their maximum allowable weight was (ATM) but were confused about how to manage weights.
• Three knew what they actually weighed.
• Forty-one were overweight in one or more ratings (ATM, GTM, ball weight).
• Five were overweight by more than 20 percent.
• The majority of those spoken with were surprised at how heavy they were and had underestimated their actual weight.
Act Sgt Shenton said there were plans to expand the operation to other areas in Victoria.
“I would also like to try and work with manufacturers and dealers to get sme bettr safety information out to buyers at the point of sale and handover of the new van. That will be ecplored over the next few months”, he added.
Article courtesy of Caravanning News – February 2017 edition
