Wednesday, March 03, 2004

February TALLY - ROADSIDE ENFORCEMENT STATISTICS
MTO OPP Joint Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Initiative 2004

(Northeastern Ontario)
In February, officers participating in the MTO/OPP Joint Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Initiative checked 628 vehicles (528 of those being commercial) and laid a total of 127 charges. Following 348 roadside inspections, 34 units were taken out of service for needed repairs and 3 vehicles had their license plates removed due to mechanical defects.

Ten drivers were charged with failing to undertake pre-trip inspections, another 12 were cited for daily log infractions and 1 rig was found to exceed the legal weight. Fourteen drivers were charged for equipment problems while 6 face penalties for load security violations.

Officers kept an eye open for aggressive driving behaviour and 18 drivers where charged with speeding, 3 with other moving violations and 8 for non-moving violations.


Background

This is the eighth consecutive year for this North East Region traffic safety initiative, its primary focus - unsafe commercial vehicles and aggressive drivers. A total of 24 officers, both OPP and MTO, have teamed up to make roadside stops and inspections. Increased enforcement is intended to encourage Northern Ontario's professional drivers to promote road safety by driving with care and consideration for others in well-maintained and compliant vehicles.

The MTO/OPP Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Initiative 2004 became operational on January 21, 2004 and wraps up May 21, 2004.

This year’s enforcement area has been expanded to include Sault. Ste Marie and Huntsville. Enforcement Teams will target the Hwy. 69 corridor (Mactier to Sudbury), Highway 11 (Huntsville to Hearst), Hwy 17 (Mattawa to Sault Ste. Marie) as well as secondary highways within the defined area. Teams include members of the OPP Traffic & Marine Units, Detachment Traffic Management Officers and Ministry of Transportation Vehicle Inspection Officers.