Commercial vehicle safety still a concern on Edmonton roadways

The Edmonton Police Service Traffic Section was out on major roadways conducting commercial vehicle safety inspections this week, and in the three-day safety blitz, almost half of the vehicles failed to meet safety regulation standards.

The fall 2014 commercial vehicle check took place from Sept. 16 to 18, 2014, and resulted in 232 vehicles inspected, with 695 violations, 113 summonses, and 17 vehicles towed from check points. Only 31 per cent of the commercial vehicles passed inspection, while 24 per cent required attention and 45 per cent of vehicles were declared out of service. EPS officers also laid one criminal charge of driving while disqualified.

Similarly in fall 2013, 275 vehicles were inspected, with 845 violations, 131 summonses, and 31 vehicles towed from inspection sites. Only 30 per cent of vehicles passed the safety check, 24 per cent of vehicles required attention, and 46 per cent declared out of service.

“We conduct these inspections to help bring attention to hazards and to encourage the safe operation of commercial vehicles in Edmonton,” says Sgt. Kerry Bates with the EPS Commercial Vehicle Inspection Detail. “Commercial vehicles need regular maintenance for safe operation. It’s a shared responsibility between companies and drivers to ensure these vehicles are being operated in a manner that is safe for all motorists on the road.”

Safety inspectors checked commercial vehicles over 4,500 kg for faulty equipment, oversize loads, dangerous or stolen goods, load securement and the condition of drivers.

The Edmonton Police Service Traffic Section conducts Commercial Vehicles Safety Alliance (CVSA) inspections throughout the year in partnership with numerous municipal and provincial regulatory agencies.

from Media Releases http://ift.tt/1rlWb7e