A NSW government plan to slash truck inspector jobs just weeks after a deadly tanker crash will put lives at risk, a union says.
The government denies Public Service Association claims that up to 21 heavy vehicle inspection jobs will be cut at the Roads and Maritime Services.
The union says more resources, not job cuts, are needed to ensure fatal accidents like the recent one on Sydney's northern beaches don't happen again.
PSA spokesman Ian Lambert says the cuts mean 500 fewer trucks will be inspected each week.
"The best deterrent is knowing there are expert government inspectors out on the roads ready to crack down on drivers and operators who flout the law," he said.
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But Roads Minister Duncan Gay said claims of job cuts were a "disgraceful distortion" perpetrated by the PSA's Labor supporters.
"There have been absolutely no frontline inspectors axed," he told 2UE Radio.
"Safety on our roads is the foremost concern of ours."
Two motorists died after a fuel tanker lost control, crashed and burst into flames at Mona Vale, prompting an audit of Cootes Transport trucks.
A Roads and Maritime Services spokeswoman said heavy vehicle inspectors and NSW Police were continuing to audit Cootes after the October 1 smash.
To date 304 heavy vehicles had been inspected, 244 defects notices issued and 605 defective items identified, she said.
Most heavy vehicles with defects had been repaired or were undergoing repairs.
Once repaired and declared safe, they could return to service.
Roads and Maritime Services also regularly carries out targeted and random compliance operations.
