A truck driver has been arrested at Baiada’s Hanwood plant and five trucks have been issued defects as police conduct a safety operation at three of the company’s sites across the state.
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The safety operation is believed to be connected with a fatal collision in Sydney in May.
Just before 10am Traffic and Highway Patrol Command Chief Inspector Phil Brooks confirmed they were also conducting an operation in Newcastle and Tamworth.
“We’ve inspected 22 trucks and trailers so far,” Chief Inspector Brooks said.
“We’ve done engine control module downloads on 10 trucks and found one truck to be non-compliant.
“Five trucks have been issued defect notices and a driver is in custody wanted on a bench warrant.”
Three trucks were queued up before the weighbridge on Wednesday morning and five police officers appeared to be inspecting a truck’s interior and tyres. The two other trucks were filled with crates of live chickens.
A police car parked outside the gates, one of four visible, had its lights flashing and the sign between them read “heavy vehicle check”.
The boot of the police car was open and appeared to contain some kind of electronic equipment.
Cars were continuing to go in and out of the plant but trucks were stopped and lined up
The distribution company was allegedly involved in a fatal collision with a pedestrian on Friday, May 20 at Brookvale in northern Sydney.
Lilydale Chickens driver Emmanuel Xiberras, who was doing deliveries in the area for the poultry company, allegedly hit and killed a grandmother on the northern beaches, fled the scene and threw her clothing in a bin after peeling it off the bottom of his vehicle, police say.
Acting on information, police attended the company’s Girraween site and conducted an inspection of a further three trucks. Two of these trucks were issued with defect notices.
On Tuesday, May 24, police raided the Baiada headquarters, home to Lilydale Chickens and Steggles, and uncovered widespread safety breaches.
An audit on 23 trucks and 12 trailers found three vehicles with tampered speed limiters and ten minor defects including bald tyres and broken brake lights.
Seven infringement notices were issued for unregistered vehicles, work diary offences and other breaches.
Fairfax Media understands issues with loading practices may factor into the fatal crash.
Mr Xiberras has been charged with failing to stop and render aid after impact causing death and negligent driving. He was granted conditional bail to appear in Manly Local Court on June 15.
Stephen Mudd
Stephen Mudd is a journalist for Fairfax Media west of the great divide. He loves music, dogs and travel.
Stephen Mudd is a journalist for Fairfax Media west of the great divide. He loves music, dogs and travel.
