The driver of a truck criticised for driving through Footscray with spiked wheel nut covers has hit back at claims he poses any danger on the roads.
Maribyrnong councillor Michael Clarke photographed the truck at the intersection of Ballarat and Geelong Roads last Monday, claiming the ‘Mad Max’ truck should be confiscated and the driver’s licence cancelled.
But Will Stan, the truck’s owner and driver, said Cr Clarke has damaged his reputation and threatened his livelihood without getting his facts straight.
Mr Stan, 22, said the wheel nut covers are made of plastic and would shatter with any contact.
“My main concerns are what he has said about the spiked nut covers and how he has made me look in the eyes of the public in his account,” he said.
“The legislation states a truck must not exceed 2.5 metres in width and the wheel nots to not exceed the width of the mirrors, they stay within the legal dimensions of the truck.”
Mr Stan said the he chose the spiked nut covers to coordinate with the star pattern of his rig.
He has driven with them for 18 months, receiving all relevant roadworthy certificates and passing all applicable inspections.
Cr Clarke said the nut covers posed a danger to cyclists, who should be “very scared”.
The claims have been met with scorn and ridicule on social media sites popular with the transport industry.
Mr Stan also countered the claim, noting the width of the handlebars on any bicycle or motorbike would make them the first thing to strike a truck before there was any chance of the nut covers making contact with a rider.
Stressful and disheartening
He said he has a blemish-free driving record and the accusations have been stressful and disheartening.
“I know I am a safe driver. I have had no demerit points taken and received no infringements, there is no reason to be scared of me,” he said.
“This is the first truck I’ve ever bought, it is my pride and joy. This is something I have worked so hard for since I was a little boy. There is nothing else I want more than this truck.
“There are repercussions for what he has said, I’m having my future in the company I sub-contract for questioned over this. Will I have to sell my truck and lose my business?”
Mr Stan, who has followed his father into the industry, said he was most upset by Cr Clarke’s claim that such accessories “are like wielding a series of knives”.
“It’s really hit me hard. I have a big heart. I do a lot for the community. I am a volunteer firefighter, I don’t go out to hurt anyone. Trucking is a small world and everyone who has seen that photo knows that’s my truck. This has caused me a lot of stress and worry.”
Mr Stan also raised concerns about Cr Clarke exiting his car at a busy intersection to take the photo.
“He was in the right hand lane and the light turned green and there was traffic coming up behind him as he was taking the photo, I would consider that to be an illegal act,” he said.
“I’m pretty sure there are more pressing issues on the road than my nut covers. They are just shiny bits of plastic, for me to be taken off the road for something so petty seems blasphemous.”
