A recent two-day commercial vehicle enforcement blitz at Woodbine Mohawk Park resulted in 195 charges and 100 trucks being taken out of service after inspectors identified safety defects and other infractions.
The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) held the annual Commercial Motor Vehicle Enforcement Blitz on Tuesday, October 6th and Wednesday, October 7th, working with more than 100 police officers and ministry inspectors from services and agencies across the Greater Toronto Area and southwestern Ontario.
“The Halton Regional Police Service is pleased to host this important event and grateful to the many services and agencies from across the province that have come together to help ensure the continued safety of commercial vehicles travelling our roadways,” says Deputy Chief of Specialized Support Kevin Maher. “This year’s results are a testament to the dedication and hard work of our inspectors, while also serving as a reminder to commercial vehicle operators of the importance of ensuring their vehicles are properly maintained and fit for daily operation.”
A total of 312 trucks underwent mandatory inspections. Inspectors identified prescribed defects in 158 vehicles, representing 51% of those checked, while 100 trucks, or 32%, were placed out of service until critical repairs were completed.
Areas of concern included driver licensing, daily trip inspections, mechanical fitness, load security, as well as truck and load weights. Brake and tire defects accounted for most of the mechanical issues identified.
The inspections also involved a Ministry of Transportation mobile field X-ray unit to check compliance with load security regulations and the Dangerous Goods Transportation Act. Ministry of Finance inspectors conducted 185 inspections for potential violations of the Fuel Tax Act, the International Fuel Tax Agreement and the Tobacco Tax Act.
In total, 195 charges were laid for various defects and infractions, along with 44 written warnings. Nine trucks were found to be in such deteriorated condition that their licence plates were seized, requiring owners to complete repairs before the vehicles could be recertified and replated.
