Two heavy vehicle drivers have been stopped at Oodla Wirra yesterday and reported for a number of driving offences.
About 5.30pm on Tuesday 11 October, Police from the Heavy Vehicle Enforcement Unit stopped two road trains on the Barrier Highway after they were seen to have no number plates on any of their trailers.
The two drivers, aged 58 and 56 from Western Australia, were submitted to a roadside drug test and both men allegedly returned a positive result for methamphetamine. They were both directed not to drive for 24 hours.
Officers conducted inspections on the trucks and trailers, and it was identified that both of the Kenworth prime movers engine control modules had been unlawfully tampered with.
Also, none of the six trailers on either of the combinations were registered or had number plates, and the drivers were unable to produce valid permits to allow them to be driven on the road.
Neither of the drivers possessed a National Work Diary and from what driving records were located, it was clear that both had been exceeding the maximum permitted work limits in the previous 7 days.
Both drivers were reported for a number of offences including failing to carry a work diary, exceeding permitted work hours and failing to comply with maximum work limits. They may face further drug driving charges pending results of a forensic analysis.
Both of the prime movers were defected for repair to the original engine manufacturer.
Further inquiries will be made with the employer of both drivers.
Dougwe said
10:46 AM Oct 19, 2022
Yes, but did they overtake cars in water across road Rob, that is the question?
Why do I ask I hear you say ?
Well, last Friday I was heading to Melbourne airport to pick up family members and was diverted many times due to closed roads. Not far from base camp I was directed to a road that had about 100 mm of water across but not flowing. It was dark and I had B Doubles in front and behind me. I slowed to travel through when, the idiot behind in a B Double overtook me causing a tidal wave effect. I got through. Next, not far away got waved by a vested person and red direction waver and about 1km away found fast flowing and around 20-30 cm of water crossing the major road. Still dark and B Doubles in front and behind I was literally forced to continue. Cars stranded to the left and a B Double wrapped around a tree on left. When, another B Double abusing me on the UHF suddenly came out and around causing another tidal wave effect. I reckon it was only luck and my Collie 4x4 that got me through.
I have since lodged a complaint about being directed that way.
Keep Safe out there.
Mike Harding said
12:23 PM Oct 19, 2022
Why is it illegal to mess with the engine management computer?
You may well stuff up a very expensive engine but I don't understand why it's illegal.
Craig1 said
01:25 PM Oct 19, 2022
Good to see those waders work well Chief.
Possibly to disable pollution control, thus maybe get more Kw?
Rob Driver said
01:29 PM Oct 19, 2022
Mike, it is generally quite technical and the settings will depend on gear ratios and final drive ratios but here we go.
For a truck to remain compliant with regards to loads and road speed the engine management system will reduce engine RPM when in a gear which may cause the truck to exceed 100 kph if that engine is set to rev to peak RPM.
In fact it is a bit more detailed than that simple explanation as the settings may include functions which also improve economy and pollution parameters. This may be subject not only to speed and gearing but to engine loads.
I hope that is a start for you Mike.
Hi Doug,
It is unfortunate but becoming more and more regular that these cowboys are the only drivers a company can get..
Gone are the days where drivers were taught to drive by quite often their fathers and along with that training came courtesy and common sense.
Today the transport operators cant get experienced drivers so they hire anyone and put them in local trucks. Yes unfortunately some of these now local trucks are actually B Doubles.
The lack of skilled and experienced drivers then extends to the linehaul operation and these cowboys end up out on our highways doing long distant haulage.
Many of these cowboys cant back their rig or even know how to secure loads. Many of them are purely depot to depot operators.
There are companies that work with new immigrants and will get them a job in any chosen field as soon as there turban holds perspiration in our hot Australian sun.
Thes companies also work with employers and governments that ensure they are licenced and set free onto our roads as soon as they can.
The cost for the average Joe to get a road train licence was 5 thousand dollars approx but in many cases this is subsidised by the govt and or the desperate employer.
Teaching someone basic rules does not teach them how to drive a truck combination.
The pair that were arrested in SA must be on something as every truck driver and company operator is aware of the regulations that were breached in the OP.
Many of these immigrants get a job first driving tippers locally and then graduate from there.
To balance the ledger I have nothing wrong with immigrants working, I think it is great.
But to work in an industry that cannot be learned at the local motor registry is criminal and dangerous.
Dougwe said
01:55 PM Oct 19, 2022
Sadly Rob, the cowboys give the industry a bad name.
I think I was very annoyed cos Indians and Cowboys don't like one another and has been so through history.
rgren2 said
01:57 PM Oct 19, 2022
Mike Harding wrote:
Why is it illegal to mess with the engine management computer?
You may well stuff up a very expensive engine but I don't understand why it's illegal.
Speed limiter.
Rob Driver said
02:05 PM Oct 19, 2022
Dougwe wrote:
Sadly Rob, the cowboys give the industry a bad name.
I think I was very annoyed cos Indians and Cowboys don't like one another and has been so through history.
Haha, those bloody cowboys.
Did they have black hats or white hats.
I dont see a lot of black turbans. but I do think that they are around.
dorian said
02:15 PM Oct 19, 2022
Mike Harding wrote:
Why is it illegal to mess with the engine management computer?
You may well stuff up a very expensive engine but I don't understand why it's illegal.
My question is, why isn't it illegal to disturb the ECU setup? Conversely, if it is illegal, then why are there businesses which offer a "chipping" service? Aren't they breaking the law?
If you chip your ECU, what happens if your vehicle no longer operates within the relevant emission standards? Can the authorities sniff your exhaust and defect your vehicle?
Rob Driver said
02:21 PM Oct 19, 2022
dorian wrote:
Mike Harding wrote:
Why is it illegal to mess with the engine management computer?
You may well stuff up a very expensive engine but I don't understand why it's illegal.
My question is, why isn't it illegal to disturb the ECU setup? Conversely, if it is illegal, then why are there businesses which offer a "chipping" service? Aren't they breaking the law?
If you chip your ECU, what happens if your vehicle no longer operates within the relevant emission standards? Can the authorities sniff your exhaust and defect your vehicle?
If that is the case then, yes.
Many companies that offer ECU mods have proven figures from a Dynamometer to ensure compliance.
Trucks are a different kettle of fish. A basic modification will cause the truck to exceed its road speed regulation then all the other problems that I had mentioned above may or may not occur.
-- Edited by Rob Driver on Wednesday 19th of October 2022 02:24:12 PM
dogbox said
02:55 PM Oct 19, 2022
Rob Driver wrote:
Mike, it is generally quite technical and the settings will depend on gear ratios and final drive ratios but here we go.
For a truck to remain compliant with regards to loads and road speed the engine management system will reduce engine RPM when in a gear which may cause the truck to exceed 100 kph if that engine is set to rev to peak RPM.
In fact it is a bit more detailed than that simple explanation as the settings may include functions which also improve economy and pollution parameters. This may be subject not only to speed and gearing but to engine loads.
I hope that is a start for you Mike.
Hi Doug,
It is unfortunate but becoming more and more regular that these cowboys are the only drivers a company can get..
Gone are the days where drivers were taught to drive by quite often their fathers and along with that training came courtesy and common sense.
Today the transport operators cant get experienced drivers so they hire anyone and put them in local trucks. Yes unfortunately some of these now local trucks are actually B Doubles.
The lack of skilled and experienced drivers then extends to the linehaul operation and these cowboys end up out on our highways doing long distant haulage.
Many of these cowboys cant back their rig or even know how to secure loads. Many of them are purely depot to depot operators.
There are companies that work with new immigrants and will get them a job in any chosen field as soon as there turban holds perspiration in our hot Australian sun.
Thes companies also work with employers and governments that ensure they are licenced and set free onto our roads as soon as they can.
The cost for the average Joe to get a road train licence was 5 thousand dollars approx but in many cases this is subsidised by the govt and or the desperate employer.
Teaching someone basic rules does not teach them how to drive a truck combination.
The pair that were arrested in SA must be on something as every truck driver and company operator is aware of the regulations that were breached in the OP.
Many of these immigrants get a job first driving tippers locally and then graduate from there.
To balance the ledger I have nothing wrong with immigrants working, I think it is great.
But to work in an industry that cannot be learned at the local motor registry is criminal and dangerous.
some of the drivers(457 visa) are here to earn money, the fines they rack up in a lot of cases do not get paid , they head back home with a pocket full of cash
Rob Driver said
04:03 PM Oct 19, 2022
Good old Australia.
The land of opportunity.
Even if only for those from overseas.
Ivan 01 said
08:14 PM Oct 19, 2022
When I talk to ex professional drivers the general complaint is the industry is over regulated and has been for years and the drivers are the ones that bare the brunt of new regulations.
When I read the top post is it any wonder that they are hard on drivers.
As it has been explained to me that if drivers refuse to act outside regulations as might be requested by some owners and companies then they dont have a job.
This is just another industry where the unions have dragged the member to the lowest common denominator as far as wages, conditions and job security is concerned.
From the SA Police website or FB page.
Two heavy vehicle drivers have been stopped at Oodla Wirra yesterday and reported for a number of driving offences.
About 5.30pm on Tuesday 11 October, Police from the Heavy Vehicle Enforcement Unit stopped two road trains on the Barrier Highway after they were seen to have no number plates on any of their trailers.
The two drivers, aged 58 and 56 from Western Australia, were submitted to a roadside drug test and both men allegedly returned a positive result for methamphetamine. They were both directed not to drive for 24 hours.
Officers conducted inspections on the trucks and trailers, and it was identified that both of the Kenworth prime movers engine control modules had been unlawfully tampered with.
Also, none of the six trailers on either of the combinations were registered or had number plates, and the drivers were unable to produce valid permits to allow them to be driven on the road.
Neither of the drivers possessed a National Work Diary and from what driving records were located, it was clear that both had been exceeding the maximum permitted work limits in the previous 7 days.
Both drivers were reported for a number of offences including failing to carry a work diary, exceeding permitted work hours and failing to comply with maximum work limits. They may face further drug driving charges pending results of a forensic analysis.
Both of the prime movers were defected for repair to the original engine manufacturer.
Further inquiries will be made with the employer of both drivers.
Why do I ask I hear you say ?
Well, last Friday I was heading to Melbourne airport to pick up family members and was diverted many times due to closed roads. Not far from base camp I was directed to a road that had about 100 mm of water across but not flowing. It was dark and I had B Doubles in front and behind me. I slowed to travel through when, the idiot behind in a B Double overtook me causing a tidal wave effect. I got through. Next, not far away got waved by a vested person and red direction waver and about 1km away found fast flowing and around 20-30 cm of water crossing the major road. Still dark and B Doubles in front and behind I was literally forced to continue. Cars stranded to the left and a B Double wrapped around a tree on left. When, another B Double abusing me on the UHF suddenly came out and around causing another tidal wave effect. I reckon it was only luck and my Collie 4x4 that got me through.
I have since lodged a complaint about being directed that way.
Keep Safe out there.
Why is it illegal to mess with the engine management computer?
You may well stuff up a very expensive engine but I don't understand why it's illegal.
Possibly to disable pollution control, thus maybe get more Kw?
For a truck to remain compliant with regards to loads and road speed the engine management system will reduce engine RPM when in a gear which may cause the truck to exceed 100 kph if that engine is set to rev to peak RPM.
In fact it is a bit more detailed than that simple explanation as the settings may include functions which also improve economy and pollution parameters. This may be subject not only to speed and gearing but to engine loads.
I hope that is a start for you Mike.
Hi Doug,
It is unfortunate but becoming more and more regular that these cowboys are the only drivers a company can get..
Gone are the days where drivers were taught to drive by quite often their fathers and along with that training came courtesy and common sense.
Today the transport operators cant get experienced drivers so they hire anyone and put them in local trucks. Yes unfortunately some of these now local trucks are actually B Doubles.
The lack of skilled and experienced drivers then extends to the linehaul operation and these cowboys end up out on our highways doing long distant haulage.
Many of these cowboys cant back their rig or even know how to secure loads. Many of them are purely depot to depot operators.
There are companies that work with new immigrants and will get them a job in any chosen field as soon as there turban holds perspiration in our hot Australian sun.
Thes companies also work with employers and governments that ensure they are licenced and set free onto our roads as soon as they can.
The cost for the average Joe to get a road train licence was 5 thousand dollars approx but in many cases this is subsidised by the govt and or the desperate employer.
Teaching someone basic rules does not teach them how to drive a truck combination.
The pair that were arrested in SA must be on something as every truck driver and company operator is aware of the regulations that were breached in the OP.
Many of these immigrants get a job first driving tippers locally and then graduate from there.
To balance the ledger I have nothing wrong with immigrants working, I think it is great.
But to work in an industry that cannot be learned at the local motor registry is criminal and dangerous.
I think I was very annoyed cos Indians and Cowboys don't like one another and has been so through history.
Speed limiter.
Haha, those bloody cowboys.
Did they have black hats or white hats.
I dont see a lot of black turbans.
but I do think that they are around. 
My question is, why isn't it illegal to disturb the ECU setup? Conversely, if it is illegal, then why are there businesses which offer a "chipping" service? Aren't they breaking the law?
If you chip your ECU, what happens if your vehicle no longer operates within the relevant emission standards? Can the authorities sniff your exhaust and defect your vehicle?
If that is the case then, yes.
Many companies that offer ECU mods have proven figures from a Dynamometer to ensure compliance.
Trucks are a different kettle of fish. A basic modification will cause the truck to exceed its road speed regulation then all the other problems that I had mentioned above may or may not occur.
-- Edited by Rob Driver on Wednesday 19th of October 2022 02:24:12 PM
some of the drivers(457 visa) are here to earn money, the fines they rack up in a lot of cases do not get paid , they head back home with a pocket full of cash
The land of opportunity.
Even if only for those from overseas.
When I read the top post is it any wonder that they are hard on drivers.
As it has been explained to me that if drivers refuse to act outside regulations as might be requested by some owners and companies then they dont have a job.
This is just another industry where the unions have dragged the member to the lowest common denominator as far as wages, conditions and job security is concerned.