Crookwell heavy vehicle inspection station staying

The Roads and Maritime Services announcement came via a letter from executive director of compliance and regulatory service, Melinda Bailey, to the proprietors of Prices’ Transport.

Ms Bailey’s letter said the site at Crookwell was small and didn’t have many inspections, but wouldn’t be closed. 

“This is a great outcome for the local heavy vehicle operators around Crookwell,” said company spokesman Lester Price.

“It also means that you can schedule an inspection and still be able to carry out a day’s work without spending a full day traveling to an inspection point, and losing a day.”

Cr Brian McCormack had expressed concerns at a recent council meeting about the threat of closure of the inspection station.

The distance to travel for all local heavy vehicle operators would be a great inconvenience and very costly, Cr McCormack said.

If inspections were no longer available locally, truck owners would have to travel to Cowra, Queanbeyan or Yass, he said.

Cr McCormack, who operates a trucking business, said the RMS wanted most of its inspectors operating on the highways, which would put Crookwell’s place in doubt. 

“If all heavy vehicles have to be inspected elsewhere then most of my work will be done elsewhere,” he said.

South Coast RMS operations manager Paul Rogers said the Heavy Vehicle Inspection Scheme would re-open in Crookwell on December 12. Bookings for inspections are available now; call 137 788. 

If heavy vehicle users require checks prior to December 12, they can use the station at Divall’s in Goulburn.

Locals are urged to use this inspection point to help keep it in operation.

Rego inspections usually only take around a half an hour and if repairs are required, the money spent on repairs will stay in town.