Hundreds of tour buses taking snow lovers to Victoria’s alpine regions were put through rigorous roadside safety checks this winter.
Bus safety regulator Safe Transport Victoria (ST Vic) and Victoria Police teamed up to run Operation Aratrum and Operation Eastern Snow, conducting safety checks on buses heading to Victoria’s alpine resorts to ensure they were safe to be on the road.
Nearly 200 buses were checked during the winter operation, with 19 infringements and 31 defect notices issued. In addition, three operators were found providing services without required accreditation.
Inspections included checking vehicles for roadworthiness and confirming operators are accredited and that vehicles are correctly registered.
Inspectors also checked that drivers held the relevant authority required to drive a bus in ski resort and alpine areas, and that buses were fitted with the correct safety equipment, including tyre chains.
Bus inspections take place each winter on roads leading to the ski resorts. Non-accredited drivers or operators caught with unroadworthy buses risk fines or prosecution.
Bus safety is an ongoing focus for ST Vic, with safety inspectors conducting random checks year-round to ensure buses meet required safety standards and drivers are appropriately licensed.
Quote attributable to Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams
“Our compliance work is making it safer for snow-goers to travel to the resorts and return home safely.”
“There is no room for complacency when it comes to bus safety and these compliance checks will ensure bus services remain safe for passengers.”
Quote attributable to Chris Banks, Executive Director Safety Strategy and Regulation, Safe Transport Victoria:
“Alpine regions have some of the most challenging road and weather conditions in Victoria so it’s crucial that buses are maintained in roadworthy condition.
“Bus operators need to ensure they are accredited, vehicles are kept in a roadworthy condition and that drivers are appropriately licenced.”
“During the recent winter operation we issued infringements to non-compliant bus operators and will be following up others to ensure they have taken action to rectify defect notices.”
Note:
Hazardous Area Authority
A Hazardous Area Authority is required for drivers of vehicles that have 13 or more seats (including the driver) and who wish to drive in proclaimed ‘hazardous areas’ for the Victorian Alpine region during the snow season. Drivers must pass a four-day training course to gain this authority.