NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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Members of the Nottawasaga detachment traffic unit of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) launched a one-day commercial motor-vehicle inspection initiative in Essa Township.
On Friday, Sept. 9, members of the Nottawasaga Traffic Enforcement Unit, with the assistance of Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance inspectors from Central Region Traffic, Dufferin OPP, Huronia West OPP, Collingwood OPP detachment and the Ministry of Finance inspector, took on the task of inspecting several commercial motor vehicles passing through Nottawasaga area.
Commercial motor vehicles, due to their size, weight, and loads, have increased potential of causing serious motor-vehicle collisions. Mechanical fitness, driver fatigue, improper licensing and/or driving behaviours are contributing concerns.
Over the course of the day, 19 vehicle inspections were performed, which resulted in two vehicles taken out of service for equipment repair issues.
In total, 62 Highway Traffic Act charges were laid. The infractions included overweight vehicles, brake defects, equipment malfunctions, expired annual inspections and insecure loads.
The Ministry of Finance inspected 11 diesel-powered vehicles and as a result two charges were laid for “possess unmarked cigarettes” under the Tobacco Tax Act and one warning was issued for “coloured fuel equipment — no approved label” under the Fuel Tax Act.
“The majority of commercial motor-vehicle operators are responsible and maintain their equipment to acceptable standards,” said traffic Sgt. Eric Steele. “Those that do not are a significant factor in many serious personal injury and fatal motor-vehicle collisions. Our message to them is clear: We are out here, and we will continue to ensure the safety of the public on our roadways by enforcing commercial motor-vehicle safety standards and regulations.”
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