Drivers ‘targeted’ by department in only diversion around crash: Truckie

A truck driver was left livid after he received reports fellow truckies were stopped by authorities for driving on a road they were told to do so by police to get around a fatal crash.

A truck driver is livid after truckies were stopped by authorities for driving on a road they were directed to by police to get around a fatal crash.

Bart Rolfe was caught in the traffic build-up near Stuart on Wednesday following the crash which killed Steve Bowen, 64, on Tuesday night.

The stretch of highway was closed for more than 12 hours as police investigated the cause of the crash and road crews repaired gouges in the highway surface.

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Police directed traffic stopped on the Bruce Highway, including large trucks, along Woodstock-Giru Road.

Mr Rolfe, a truckie with two decades of experience, said police told drivers to split up trailers but some could not as their trailers were fully loaded and would otherwise tip over.

Fatal truck crash on the Bruce Highway at Stuart, November 24, 2020.

He said the Department of Transport and Main Roads were stopping trucks at either end of the diversion and “threatened” drivers with fines.

Bart Rolfe.

“Steve (Bowen) lost his life the day before and in the morning Transport Queensland got up like ants and targeted us,” he said.

“They were making truck drivers pull up and threatened them with fines.

“They didn’t show any respect for the truck drivers. They made it difficult for truck drivers.”

He said the treatment of truck drivers by the department was “rude” considering they were following directions by police and unable to uncouple trailers without damaging goods.

“When police give you a direct order you have to go that way,” he said.

A Transport and Main Roads spokesman said the safety of road users was the “top priority” of the department and transport inspectors supported this work.

Fatal truck crash on the Bruce Highway at Stuart, November 24, 2020.

“They were advised of a road diversion after a fatal heavy vehicle crash on the Bruce Highway at Stuart,” he said.

“The diversion, Woodstock-Giru Road, has restrictions preventing use by vehicles more than 19 metres or more than 43.5 tonnes. This is to ensure safety and protect road infrastructure.”

The spokesman said inspectors at either end of the road “advised” truck drivers if their vehicles exceeded the dimensions.

“They did not issue infringement notices or inspect vehicles,” he said.

Originally published as Drivers ‘targeted’ by department in only diversion around crash: Truckie