EPA says transport industry is listening

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) recently said the results of its year-long dangerous goods blitz across NSW showed the transport industry was making a real effort to comply with environment and safety regulations.

Director General Lisa Corbyn said of the 2412 trucks stopped by EPA, Roads and Traffic Authority and NSW Police in 2002, 19 had major breaches that required further investigation. She said 80 minor breaches were also detected.

"While we would like there to be no breaches, the small number we found is actually good news for industry, the public and the environment," said Corbyn.

"The majority of trucks stopped had the correct warning signs displayed and were carrying the appropriate safety equipment. The results shows that industry is working harder to ensure its environment and safety controls are up to scratch." Corbyn said that dangerous goods check points were set up in Albury, Narrandera, Coonabarabran, Boggabilla and West Wyalong last year.

"Of the 2412 trucks pulled over, 169 (7%) were carrying dangerous goods. Of these, just 19 vehicles (11%) were found to be in serious breach of the legislation," she said.

"The EPA initiated prosecutions against five dangerous goods transporters following the blitzes and is still investigating a further 14 matters.

Corbyn said while the overall news was good, there was still need for better compliance by some industry operators.

"While overall there were only 19 serious breaches of the environment and safety regulations, we mustn't forget that we're talking about some very dangerous materials," she said.