Victorian Motorists, including an Ambulance, were forced to dodge a 9-metre ladder yesterday on the Burwood Highway, as it fell off the back of a 19 year old appliance enroute to a fire call.
The ladder was found by Ambulance Victoria members and was reportedly removed from the roadway by passers-by.
A faulty strut used to control movement of the locking mechanism had completely broken off and separated.
The 19-year-old appliance is not fitted with a microswitch, usually fitted to newer appliances to alert the driver of an open ladder restraint mechanism
This Truck should have been taken off the road 4 years ago, in accordance with Fire Rescue Victoria policy.
But due to a lack of planning and funding, these old and increasingly hazardous Trucks are being relied upon by Firefighters and the community – leaving all Victorians at risk.
Victorians are right to ask, where is our Fire Service Levy going? Not only are our Trucks breaking down, they are losing equipment on the way to emergency calls as well!
Jacinta Allan and Minister Symes must act, before it’s too late.