Road managers
Accessibility tools
The owner of a South Australian transport company has been prosecuted by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) for possessing speed limiter tampering equipment.
South Australia Police (SAPOL) Heavy Vehicle Investigation Section conducted an investigation at the company’s Mid-North premises in August 2020 and located a laptop installed with tampering software, as well as connecting plugs.
The company owner initially declined to answer questions about the device, but pleaded guilty to possessing a speed limiter tampering device when he appeared at Adelaide Magistrates Court earlier this month.
Speed limiters ensure that specified trucks over 12-15 tonnes cannot travel above the national 100kmh limit for such vehicles.
NHVR Executive Director of Statutory Compliance Ray Hassall said speed limiter tampering was a serious offence.
“Speed limits exist to reduce collisions and protect road users,” Mr Hassall said.
“The NHVR and SAPOL regard speed limiter tampering as a serious public safety offence and we won’t hesitate to prosecute operators who ignore the law.”
Under the Heavy Vehicle National Law it is an offence to possess a speed limiter tampering device without a reasonable excuse.
The NHVR will request the tampering device is forfeited at a further hearing at Adelaide Magistrates’ Court on April 23.