Faulty brakes and worn tires were the most serious safety issues identified during a three-day commercial vehicle enforcement operation in Strathcona County that resulted in 77 vehicles being placed out of service. The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance Joint Force Operation, led by Strathcona County Enforcement Services, took place Sept. 23 to 25 and involved inspectors and peace officers from several agencies, including Alberta Transportation, Alberta Sheriffs, Edmonton Police Service, the City of Edmonton, and Parkland County.
Inspectors completed 192 commercial vehicle inspections during the operation. According to Strathcona County, 40 per cent of vehicles failed inspection, nearly 20 per cent required attention, and 40 per cent passed inspection. “The worst safety issue inspectors found is faulty brakes,” Enforcement Services Manager Insp.
Vito DiSciglio said. According to the county, commercial vehicle inspections examine a range of safety requirements, including brake systems, tire condition, lighting, cargo securement, driver credentials, and hours-of-service documentation. DiSciglio said inspectors are finding slightly more deficiencies than in previous operations, while emphasizing that certified inspectors are trained to identify potential safety concerns before they contribute to collisions. “We are seeing slightly more deficiencies; however, our CVSA inspectors are highly trained and thorough in spotting vehicles that may be of concern,” he said.
The inspections are aimed at improving road safety by identifying unsafe vehicles and ensuring carriers meet provincial and federal requirements. DiSciglio said some operators continue to overlook basic maintenance responsibilities, creating unnecessary risks for other motorists. “Some carriers take safety for granted and take shortcuts when it comes to vehicle maintenance, creating significant safety risks for other motorists,” he said.
Operators whose vehicles fail inspection must complete repairs before returning to service and may face fines or other enforcement action. TWilkie@postmedia.com