Sudbury police lay 26 charges in commercial vehicle blitz

Commercial vehicle inspections are critical for road safety, police say. Industry experts are calling for more oversight of both drivers and carriers.

Greater Sudbury Police Service’s Integrated Traffic Safety Unit conducted a commercial motor vehicle enforcement blitz in the community of Hanmer last week.

Police said the event, on Oct. 6, was held to ensure commercial vehicles operating in the city are meeting provincial safety standards.

“Commercial motor vehicles and their drivers are subject to strict safety regulations designed to protect everyone on our roads,” police said in a social media post.

“Regular enforcement initiatives help ensure these vehicles are operating safely and in compliance with provincial legislation.”

Inspection results

Officers conducted 17 commercial motor vehicle inspections, including five Level 1 inspections, 11 Level 2 inspections and one Level 3 inspection. As a result, six vehicles were placed out of service due to safety concerns.

Charges laid

Sudbury police laid a total of 26 charges during the initiative – including:

• failing to report major defects,
• failing to complete or produce daily inspections and logs,
• driving without a valid commercial vehicle operator’s registration certificate,
• no annual inspection,
• overweight permit violations,
• driving with an improper class of licence,
• using a hand-held communication device and
• driving with cannabis readily available.

Multiple warning issued

Officers also issued 10 warnings for offences including inaccurate daily inspections, insecure loads, documentation violations and defective equipment.