New footage has emerged of a truck spilling more than a tonne of mud on a busy Melbourne freeway as authorities warn drivers to always check their load.
The incident forced the closure of three lanes during peak-hour traffic on the Tullamarine Freeway in April, with many motorists getting bogged down.
It led to an almost $10,000 fine for the trucking company and prompted Victoria’s Environment Protection Authority to warn of the dangers loose loads could pose for drivers.
“It’s lucky no one was hurt,” EPA regional manager Steven Lansdell said.
Part of the freeway was shut for more than six hours as crews worked to clean up 1.2 tonnes of wet construction soil.
AB Haulage in Wollert was fined $9246 following the incident.
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“It’s a good reminder for all trucking companies to double check and secure their load,” Lansdell said.
“Depending where the material gets, it can be really dangerous for the environment.”
“But, in more severe cases, penalties can go up to prosecution and criminal conviction.”
The EPA was called to help clean up 150 spills across Victoria last year. Half of those weren’t even crash related.
“Do simple things and check your load,” Lansdell said.
“Understand your driver and know what to do in the case of an accident and make sure any spills are cleaned up properly.”
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