Police truck safety blitz nets results

In keeping with their ongoing commitment to ensure the safety of all motorists on local roads, York Regional Police have released the results of their third annual commercial motor vehicle truck blitz, which occurred May 2 and 3 in Vaughan.

The blitz was conducted in partnership with the Ministries of Transportation, Finance and Environment, Canada Customs representatives, and police services from Toronto, Peel and Guelph as well as the Ontario Provincial Police.

Over the two days, there were 451 vehicles inspected and 152 of them were taken out of service. As well, 215 charges were laid and four people were arrested.

The arrests for an outstanding committal warrant, an immigration warrant, possession of a narcotic and driving while prohibited.

The results of the blitz show that 33 per cent of all the vehicles inspected were taken out of service. Some of the out-of-service defects included improperly adjusted brakes, improper tires, badly worn or damaged suspension components and insecure loads.

The number of defects discovered during the two-day blitz shows that some operators still do not place a high value on commercial motor vehicle safety in Ontario. All of the agencies who participated in this two-day blitz are committed to keeping Ontario's roads safe, particularly in the area of commercial motor vehicle enforcement.

Commercial Motor Vehicle enforcement and safety continues to be an important priority of York police.

Drivers of commercial vehicles must ensure that their vehicles are inspected and safe before they are operated on the Region's roads.