1,100 Vehicles Checked During Police Operation

The Calgary Police Service has concluded an operation targeting drivers unsafely transporting goods to local landfills.

The three-month operation was intended to educate the public and commercial truck drivers about the hazards of unsecure loads, not having vehicles in proper working order, and not having appropriate permits.

Since Saturday, May 24, 2014, more than 1,120 vehicles were pulled over by officers near the Spyhill Landfill, with roughly 21 per cent found to be non-compliant with the rules of the road related to unsecure loads, trailer specifications and general traffic regulations.

Officers issued 218 warnings and another 17 violation tickets, including fines for not completely covering loose material ($500) and allowing loose material to escape from a vehicle ($150).

Much of the feedback gleaned from the public included their own stories of being struck by debris, while others were grateful for the education on how to properly secure a load.

Each year, the Service receives complaints from drivers about debris being blown from trucks and other vehicles, especially those on the way to a landfill. As a result, vehicles are damaged and in some cases, collisions are caused. In many instances, if the offending driver is located and pulled over by officers, it is determined the vehicles are in violation of the rules.

Commercial vehicles must have the proper documentation, including decals, permits and when asked, drivers are required to produce an up-to-date logbook.