(Ottawa, Canada) – A joint commercial-vehicle inspection operation in Ottawa's west end took 20 vehicles out of service for safety problems and resulted in 68 charges.

The blitz took place October 22. Ottawa Police published the results October 26, reporting that 16 qualified inspectors checked 87 commercial motor vehicles.

Ottawa Police, Ontario Provincial Police and the Ministry of Transportation took part. One licence plate was seized because the vehicle was deemed unfit.

Problems included defective brakes, improper tires, insecure loads, damaged suspension, steering defects and missing or defective trailer safety devices.

The reported charges covered inspection records, maintenance, weight, load security, operator registration, dangerous goods and other equipment or documentation requirements. Charges are not findings of guilt.

The figures describe this enforcement operation, rather than a random survey of all commercial vehicles on Ottawa roads.

Sources: Ottawa Police Service, October 26.

Editorial illustration of commercial-vehicle safety inspections; not a photograph of the enforcement operation.