A Victorian driver has allegedly tested positive to methamphetamine after his truck ran out of fuel on the South Eastern Freeway this morning, causing major traffic delays.

Key points: The Heavy Vehicle Inspection Scheme was brought in following an accident that killed two people

The Heavy Vehicle Inspection Scheme was brought in following an accident that killed two people Since August 31, 2018, 60 per cent of trucks have failed initial inspections

Since August 31, 2018, 60 per cent of trucks have failed initial inspections The South Australian Road Transport Association says there is no reason to be alarmed

The incident coincides with the release of a damning report into truck safety, as well as another delay to a comprehensive safety inspection scheme.

Police were alerted to the breakdown on the down track at Bridgewater just after 7:30am after it ran out of fuel, causing traffic delays of 90 minutes.

SA Police have alleged that a Victorian driver tested positive to methamphetamine after police allegedly found an ice pipe in the truck.

Speed restrictions are still in place, with technicians still unable to start the engine.

Earlier, several drivers who called ABC Radio Adelaide were critical of how authorities responded, saying the freeway was turned into a "car park".

According to the report, three in five trucks have failed to pass mandatory safety checks in South Australia in the past year.

The alarming figures were revealed by the State Government as it announced a wider inspection regime for all trucks on the road would not be ready until the first half of 2020.

The State Opposition said Transport Minister Stephan Knoll should "get on with it" to ensure motorists are not put at risk.

The Heavy Vehicle Inspection Scheme was introduced on the recommendation of the coroner, after an accident on the South Eastern Freeway in 2014, which killed two people.

Two people died in a crash on the South Eastern Freeway in 2014. ( ABC )

The first stage has already begun, and requires all heavy vehicles be inspected upon change of ownership.

The Government said 3,009 vehicles had been checked since August 31, 2018, of which 60 per cent failed their initial inspections.

Faults were found with brakes in 914 inspections, steering and suspension problems were detected 915 times, and structural problems were found in 838 checks.

Some inspections resulted in a truck being given multiple faults.

The second stage of the inspection regime would require all trucks older than four years to be tested at least every two years, but it is yet to be put in place.

That testing regime, which would see more than 60,000 inspections annually, has been repeatedly delayed since laws were passed in 2017.

The Government said it was now scheduled to start in the first half of 2020.

In January, Mr Knoll said he would take his time to set up the "massive new system" without causing delays and backlogs in getting trucks on the road.

A procurement process is now underway to find a company to administer stage two of the heavy vehicle inspection scheme, but tenders are yet to be issued.

"I am pleased to advise that inspection costs will be regulated and capped at $268 per initial inspection," Mr Knoll said.

Stephan Knoll has been urged to "get on with" implementing the wider inspection regime. ( ABC News: Nick Harmsen )

"Concerns about accessibility to inspection stations for those in rural, regional and remote parts of South Australia are central to our considerations."

Shadow Transport Minister Tom Koutsantonis said the slow implementation of coronial recommendations was "sloppy".

"It's one thing to be sloppy, it's another thing to jeopardise the life and safety of motorists and truck drivers," Mr Koutsantonis said.

"There should be no truck on our roads that's unsafe.

"If the equipment that they're using to carry these heavy loads breaks, you've basically got a missile and that's very dangerous."

'No need to be alarmed'

The South Australian Road Transport Association downplayed the figures, arguing most vehicles on the road had faults.

"No truck or car can remain perfect from the time of manufacturing right through its working life," executive director Steve Shearer said.

"If just one wheel or one axle has a minor fault in the brake response that will result in a fail.

"The truck would still stop … quite easily because all the other brakes are working fine.

"The public certainly has no need to be alarmed."