Officers from Taskforce Sierra Linnet and the Road Policing Command's Heavy Vehicle Enforcement Team joined local police and the Department of Transport and Main Roads across the weekend in three border highway locations targeting heavy vehicles and freight compliance.
State Disaster Coordinator, Deputy Commissioner Steve Gollschewski said he was concerned by the low level of compliance of members of the freight and transport industry with Queensland travel declaration or border passes a requirement to enter the State.
"Officers intercepted a large number of vehicles to ensure compliance with transport regulations, freight passes and an overall understanding of Covid-safe practices," Deputy Commissioner Gollschewski said.
More than 130 heavy vehicles were intercepted at Coomera, Wallangarra and Goondiwindi across the weekend and 55 vehicles had either travelled without a pass or without relevant documentation.
"The Queensland community can have confidence the QPS and partner agency Transport and Main Roads are working together to mitigate the risk of COVID-19, but these results do show the time is appropriate to highlight the penalties.
"Travelling in and around Queensland without the necessary documentation will cost you $4,135 if in breach of your Freight Pass directions.
"We are in a position where we will be enforcing these fines to make a very clear point to the freight industry, we won't allow Covid-19 to hitch a ride into Queensland on one of these heavy vehicles," Deputy Gollschewski said.
Under Queensland COVID-19 Border Direction, heavy vehicle operators travelling into Queensland on a Freight Border Declaration Pass must comply with restrictions and departure requirements to minimise the risk of spreading COVID-19.
