Dozens of trucks inspected during a recent two-day enforcement blitz required immediate repairs.
Police agencies joined forces at a large-scale inspect event on June 19 and 20 in New Westminster, during which time they inspected 86 vehicles. The inspections were conducted by the New Westminster Police Department’s Commercial Vehicle Enforcement and Traffic Units, in partnership with Vancouver Police Department, Canadian Pacific Police Service, Commercial Vehicle Safety Enforcement, Burnaby RCMP and BC Highway Patrol.
According to the police department, 86 vehicles were inspected. Of those inspected, the vast majority were light commercial vehicles including cargo vans, pick-up trucks, small delivery vehicles, trades vehicles and other larger commercial vehicles.
“Of the total inspections, six required repairs to be completed at a later time, and 56 required repairs to be completed prior to proceeding,” said the news release.
In a statement to the Record, the New Westminster Police Department said seven vehicles with major deficiencies were immediately removed from the roadway. Six vehicles with moderate deficiencies were identified as needing repairs/inspection within 30 days.
Three of the vehicles stopped for inspections were found to have unsecured loads, said NWPD.
A New Westminster Police Department news release said the focus of the operation was on commercial vehicles that may not be properly maintained and could ultimately pose a danger on our roads.
“After the two recent collisions at Holmes and Columbia, many residents have been clear with us that they are keen to see more attention paid to commercial vehicles in the city,” said NWPD Sgt. Andrew Leaver. “During this recent initiative, officers observed a number of different issues, ranging from minor things that could be repaired on site, to major issues which required the vehicle to be towed. This type of initiative is one of the many different ways that we work towards safer roads.”
In the news release, the NWPD noted that similar enforcement events took place throughout the Metro Vancouver region.
“The inspectors used their expertise to focus on vehicles that were not likely to pass an inspection,” said the news release. “This was accomplished through a quick visual inspection in conjunction with vehicle type and carrier history. Main items checked during inspection are the vehicles’ mechanical components and driver qualifications; specifically brakes, tires, lights, steering, load security, driver licensing and fatigue.”
The New Westminster Police Department stated that drivers of personal vehicles and commercial transport are responsible for their driving habits, as well as vehicle maintenance and insurance.
