Sunshine Coast RCMP’s Traffic Services and the Commercial Vehicle Safety Enforcement (CVSE) branch of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure recently teamed up to conduct an inspection blitz of commercial vehicles on the Sunshine Coast.
During the three-day blitz, officers conducted inspections of commercial vehicles in the Pender Harbour, Sechelt, and Gibsons areas, checking to ensure they were complying with safety standards. Among other things, inspectors checked to ensure brakes and suspension components were operating properly, pre-trips checklists were filled out, and loads were properly secured.
Officers also checked for Motor Vehicle Act infractions, including speeding, using electronic devices while driving, and seatbelt use. Depending on the severity of the infraction, vehicles determined to be sub-standard were either immediately pulled out of service, or were ordered to have repairs conducted in the future.
While CVSE numbers were not available, Sunshine Coast traffic members issued 23 Motor Vehicle Act charges during the three days, which included infractions such as speeding, seatbelts, operating a defective vehicle, insecure loads, use of electronic device, and bypassing a brake check.
“Due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles, it is very important that they are properly maintained and in good working order,” said Const. Mike Lavric, with S.C. Traffic Services. “Having the CVSE officers checking these vehicles helps to remind the owners and operators about what they should be looking for, and makes them aware of any deficiencies. It’s all about safety on our roads.”
CVSE officers visit the Sunshine Coast periodically to conduct inspections of commercial vehicles. Any companies which are repeatedly found to be operating unsafe vehicles are followed up with, and can receive large fines. S.C. RCMP’s Traffic Services also conducts checks year-round.
