Charges have been laid following an 18-month investigation, led by Victoria Police, in conjunction with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator.
The charges were laid as part of an investigation led by Taskforce Paragon, which was established to investigate an incident on the Eastern Freeway in Melbourne in which a heavy vehicle hit and killed four Victoria Police officers whilst they were conducting a roadside intercept on 22 April 2020.
The following have each been charged with Category 1 and 2 offences under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL).
• A transport operator located in Riverstone, NSW
• A 51-year old man from Kenthurst, NSW
• A 47-year old man from Glenwood, NSW
• A 52-year old man from Labrador, QLD
Category 1 offences carry a maximum penalty of $300,000 and/or 5 years imprisonment for an individual and $3,000,000 for a corporation.
Category 2 offences carry a maximum penalty of $150,000 for an individual and $1,500,000 for a corporation.
The matter will next be heard at the Paramatta Local Court on 28 September 2021.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Commissioner Road Policing, Glenn Weir:
"These charges are the result of an extensive 18-month investigation by Taskforce Paragon investigators and are the most serious offences under the Heavy Vehicle National Law.
"This is a stark reminder that the impact of road trauma is catastrophic, and we won't hesitate to hold all of those responsible to account.
"Our partnership with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator demonstrates our ongoing commitment to working with all road safety partners in making our roads safer for all Victorians."
