“More than half of the commercial vehicles inspected during the spring blitz were declared out of service,” says Sgt. Kerry Bates with the EPS Commercial Vehicle Inspection Detail. “We’re hoping to see an improvement in these numbers – companies and drivers need to take responsibility for the safety of their vehicles. These checks help to identify and address hazards that put commercial drivers, surrounding motorists and pedestrians at risk.”
The fall compliance checks will take place on high-volume roadways from September 16 to 18, 2014. Safety inspectors will be checking commercial vehicles over 4,500 kg for faulty equipment, oversize loads, dangerous or stolen goods, load securement and the condition of drivers.
Only 29 per cent of vehicles passed during the spring 2014 commercial vehicle check, with 27 per cent of vehicles requiring attention and 52 per cent deemed out of service. In 251 inspections, there were 729 violations, 108 summonses, and 11 vehicles towed from check points.
The EPS Traffic Section partners with numerous provincial regulatory agencies to carry out commercial vehicle checks throughout the year, in support of the Alberta Traffic Safety Plan.