The sighting of a ‘Mad Max’-style truck in Footscray has prompted warnings that drivers face serious penalties if caught with dangerous modifications.
The truck, bearing sharply spiked wheel nuts, was seen travelling along Ballarat Road and Geelong Road last Monday by Maribyrnong councillor Michael Clarke.
Cr Clarke followed the truck and took photos of the spikes sticking out from the front wheels on both side of the truck.
DRIVER HITS BACK AT ‘MAD MAX’ TAG
“Mad Max, eat your heart out,” he said.
“To every bike rider in this great state of Victoria, you now have more than a good reason to be very scared.”
Cr Clarke said the driver would have known the accessories were highly illegal.
“The truck needs to be confiscated by VicRoads and the driver’s licence cancelled,” he said.
“A message needs to be sent to all in the trucking industry that such accessories are like wielding a series of knives. Anyone getting close to this vehicle runs the risk of becoming mince meat.”
Victoria Police spokeswoman Amelia Penhall said anyone who sees any similar modifications should report it to their local police station.
“A person using spiked wheel nut covers can be issued an infringement for $379 for use of a vehicle that is unsafe or has been modified or does not comply with the Standards for Registration.”
VicRoads regulatory services director Eric Henderson said vehicles can not be fitted with any protruding object that is likely to increase the risk of bodily injury.
The spiked wheel nuts may also increase the width of the truck beyond its legal maximum of 2.5 metres.
Mr Henderson said spiked wheel nuts have been available across Australia for many years, but their use on heavy vehicles appears to be relatively isolated.
“The Heavy Vehicle National Law applies significant penalties to the vehicle owner for non-compliance,” he said.
“In the interests of the community safety, we strongly advise against the use of spiked wheel nuts on trucks or any other vehicle.
Victorian Transport Association spokesman Brian O’Neil criticised the use of the spikes.
“Trucks like that should not be on the road,” he said.
