Trucking company Cootes Transport could lose its registrations if its safety shortfalls continue, a NSW minister has warned.
The company at the centre of a fuel tanker crash in Sydney's north last October that killed two people has been criticised after default notices were issued for eight trucks this week.
The problems ranged from brake problems to suspension faults and five of the defects were for major issues.
A safety audit conducted late last year following the Mona Vale crash found hundreds of defects in Cootes' trucks.
Roads Minister Duncan Gay said it was unacceptable the company was ignoring its duty of care to other road users.
"The lives of thousands of road users are at risk each time a defective truck is sent out on the road," he said in a statement.
"If we have to deregister the defected trucks to send a stronger message to Cootes management, we will do so."
Since the initial safety audit in October, Cootes says it has spent an extra $5 million on repairs and maintenance on its fleet.
The trucking company conceded the defects in the fleet were unacceptable.
"The company is currently investigating why a number of vehicles that have been serviced are showing defects," the spokesman said.
"The company remains focused on improving the safety and integrity of its fleet and will continue to work co-operatively with RMS."
