The trucking company behind the fatal tanker crash on Sydney's northern beaches last year has been ordered to cough up more than half a million dollars in fines and legal costs.
Two people were killed and five injured when a Cootes Transport tanker rolled on its side, burst into flames and collided with several cars in Mona Vale in October 2013.
The national trucking company came under intense scrutiny after the crash, with the NSW Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) alleging it had discovered significant defects in the company's fleet, including faulty brakes and suspension.
In handing down her decision on 255 charges over the defects on Wednesday, Magistrate Lee Gilmour told Downing Centre Local Court that Cootes' business carried inherent risks.
As of September last year, Cootes had 950 prime movers and tankers which carried "highly flammable and explosive contents" across Australia.
With these dangers, she said the vehicles "must be highly maintained to eliminate or at least minimise any damage."
There was "no excuse" for Cootes allowing their maintenance systems to deteriorate, with some registration failures appearing to be a cost-cutting measure, she said.
While it was not clear how these problems arose in the first place, Ms Gilmour said the company had taken "extensive steps" to prevent further breaches.
She fined them a total of $440,900 for the breaches.
Including legal and court costs, Cootes faces a total bill of $525,305.
Cootes released a statement following Wednesday's decision.
"The company notes the Magistrate's recognition that it has undertaken extensive steps to address the issues identified last year and earlier this year through comprehensive enhancements to its business operations," it said.
"Cootes Transport has been fully restructured to become a smaller, more modern fleet. All servicing and testing procedures have been upgraded."
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