Almost half the commercial trucks inspected about a month ago needed immediate repairs before they could proceed.
Inspectors targeted 61 vehicles for a full inspection in Chilliwack on March 30-31, in a joint effort by City of Chilliwack Safer City Program, in partnership with Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure’s Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement Branch (CVSE), Work Safe BC, Chilliwack RCMP Traffic Services and Fraser Valley Traffic Services.
Of that total, 26 vehicles required repairs right away and 11 tickets were issued over the two days of inspections.
Items checked ranged from mechanical components to driver qualifications, as well as brakes, tires, lights, steering, load security, driver licensing, fatigue and business licensing, said Samantha Piper, public safety specialist, in a news release.
"Hundreds of commercial vehicles travel through Chilliwack on any given day," she said. "The inspectors used their expertise to focus on vehicles that were not likely to pass an inspection."
While the MOT inspectors were focused on commercial transport safety infractions, police officers were also checking both commercial and passenger vehicles. Enforcement agencies also checked trailers to ensure cargo was properly secured and that any hazardous materials were being safely transported in accordance with provincial legislation.
"Even though this initiative resulted in violation tickets of commercial vehicles, it is worth reminding the public that it is important to remember the overwhelming majority of vehicles are being operated in a professional manner."
jfeinberg@theprogress.com
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