Nine trucks with defects in SA crackdown

Nine trucks have been found with major defects in a crackdown on heavy vehicles in the South Australian Riverland.

More than 450 trucks were stopped and examined at Yamba between Monday and Wednesday last week as part of Operation Austrans.

Police say as well as the defects detected, 252 alcohol tests were conducted but all returned negative results.

Only one driver tested positive for drugs among the 79 tested.

Traffic Support Branch chief Steve Kameniar said police were happy with results.

"It is certainly pleasing to see the number of drug driver detections and vehicle defects are down, which we hope is an indication that heavy vehicle owners are getting the safety message," Inspector Kameniar said.

RESULTS FOR OPERATION AUSTRANS IN THE SA RIVERLAND:

* Total trucks stopped: 465

* Traffic infringements: 34

* Cautions: 1

* Arrests: 0

* Major defects: 9

* Minor defects: 8

* Drug tests: 79 - Positive: 1

* Alcohol tests: 252 - Over 0.05: 0

Source: SA Police.