16 commercial vehicles pulled from Coquitlam roads during safety operation: RCMP

Mounties said the operation on March 4 resulted in a total of 28 commercial vehicles being inspected, with 16 of those put out of service due to “serious safety issues.” (Coquitlam RCMP)

More than a dozen commercial vehicles were deemed unsafe and pulled off the road during a safety enforcement blitz in Coquitlam last week, according to Mounties.

Coquitlam RCMP said the operation on March 4 resulted in a total of 28 commercial vehicles being inspected, with 16 of those put out of service due to “serious safety issues.”

Mounties said 69 vehicle defects were flagged during the blitz, with 12 violation tickets issued.

It was all part of a joint effort between nine different policing and safety partners, including the Vancouver Police Department, B.C. Highway Patrol-IIDU, Metro Vancouver Transit Police, New Westminster Police Department, Delta Police Department, Port Coquitlam Bylaws, Coquitlam Bylaws, Township of Langley Bylaws and WorkSafeBC.

“Joint operations involving multiple police and bylaw agencies significantly enhance the effectiveness of enforcement efforts,” Mounties said in a news release Tuesday. “This collaboration is especially critical for commercial vehicle enforcement, as trucks and transport operators routinely cross municipal boundaries throughout the Lower Mainland.”

RCMP said one of the trucks taken off the road was pulling a trailer 5,260 kilograms over the weight allowed under its insurance, and exceeded its axle weight and tire limits.

Officers also determined that the truck’s tires and chains were “very worn.”

“Commercial vehicle operators have a responsibility to ensure their vehicles are operated within the law and remain in safe working condition,” said Staff Sgt. Mark McCutheon in the release.

“Failing to properly maintain their vehicles and operating outside of what’s legally permitted, puts all road users at significant risk.”