Charges have been laid against a cement company and its executives following an 8-month investigation led by South Australia Police, where a heavy vehicle driver was killed in Piccadilly on 12 October 2020.
It is alleged that the South Australian company, Owner/Managing Director, and another Manager knew the heavy vehicle was defective but allowed it to be used on the road. They have been charged with Category 1, 2 and 3 offences under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL).
NHVR Director of Prosecutions Belinda Hughes said, “Tragically, this is another road fatality that should never have occurred.
“If the company and its executives had proper procedures and processes in place, and acted on known defects, this death could have been prevented.
“Companies and executives must ensure the safety of their transport activities. If they ignore their responsibilities under the HVNL, they will be held to account.”
Category 1 offences carry a maximum penalty of $341,870 and up to 5 years imprisonment for an individual and $3,418,700 for a corporation.
Category 2 offences carry a maximum penalty of $170,940 for an individual and $1,709,360 for a corporation.
Category 3 offences carry a maximum penalty of $56,960 for an individual and $574,620 for a corporation.
The matter will next be heard on 25 March 2022 at the Elizabeth Magistrates Court.