A number of commercial motor vehicles were taken off the road this week after the OPP found major defects in the vehicles during an inspection blitz.
The Ontario Provincial Police in West Region said they are working hard to keep Ontario's highways and roadways safe for all who use them.
On Jan. 19, the West Region Traffic Incident Management and Enforcement team, along with the Wellington County OPP and the Ministry of Transportation, conducted a commercial motor vehicle inspection initiative in Arthur.
Overall, 30 inspections were completed.
In total, 22 charges were laid.
At the same time, 11 commercial motor vehicles were taken out of service due to major defects that were found, the OPP said in a news release.
Police reminded operators of transport trucks and other large commercial vehicles about the importance of completing accurate pre-trip inspections, of having the necessary documentation, of being aware of weight and load restrictions.
Operators and owners need to also ensure regular maintenance and annual inspections are completed on their vehicles.
The OPP said in 2022, 22 CMV inspection initiatives and 10 mandatory alcohol screening initiatives were conducted, with 522 commercial motor vehicles inspected.
Thirty-five percent of the vehicles inspected were taken out of service and a total of 335 charges were laid.
Of the 1,799 mandatory alcohol screening tests completed, 4 resulted in operators being charged for having a blood alcohol content above zero.
In 2023, the West Region OPP said it will continue to work with the Ministry of Transportation and municipal policing partners to conduct CMV inspection initiatives in an effort to make sure that the commercial motor vehicles are safe and fit to be on our roads.
