Police yank unsafe vehicles off the road

York Regional Police and the Ministry of Transportation Carrier Enforcement Unit conducted their latest commercial motor vehicle inspection blitz last Wednesday, and 35 per cent of the vehicles inspected were taken out of service for mechanical deficiencies.

The one-day blitz was in the area of Creditstone Road and Highway 7 in Vaughan. There were 28 commercial vehicles inspected with 10 being taken off the road.

Officers identified a number of vehicles with mechanical defects, most commonly improper tires, improperly adjusted brakes and loose steering linkages.

So far in 2008, the York Regional Police Commercial Vehicle Unit has inspected 49 commercial vehicles throughout York, taking 38 per cent of them out of service.

Any defect that compromises the safe operation of a vehicle can result in it being removed from road. A commercial motor vehicle inspector has the option of holding a vehicle until the defect is repaired or of immediately removing the vehicles' license plates.

Drivers are reminded that they are required to inspect their vehicles daily. Owners and drivers are also reminded that, as of July 1, 2007, the laws pertaining to pre-trip inspections have changed. More onus has been placed on the owner to ensure its mechanical fitness. In addition, drivers are now required to produce additional pre-trip inspection documentation specific to the type of commercial motor vehicle being operated.