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More than 150 vehicles failed an inspection by New Westminster Police earlier this month

A two-day vehicle inspection blitz in New Westminster has netted more than $19,000 in fines and $12,800 in bylaw tickets. The police department’s commercial vehicle enforcement and traffic units led the vehicle inspection operation between Oct.
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A two-day vehicle inspection blitz in New Westminster has netted more than $19,000 in fines and $12,800 in bylaw tickets.

The police department’s commercial vehicle enforcement and traffic units led the vehicle inspection operation between Oct. 2 and 4 in partnership with the provincial commercial vehicle safety and enforcement branch. The goal was to make sure business vehicles travelling through the city are properly maintained and safe, according to a police press release.

In all, 314 vehicles were inspected and more than half had deficiencies that had to be repaired right away. Only 23 vehicles passed inspection without any issues while 122 required minor repairs, according to the release.

Vehicles that were inspected included: cargo vans, pick-up trucks, small delivery vehicles and trades vehicles among other larger commercial vehicles.

“The New Westminster Police Department is one of the very few police departments that maintain a dedicated team of commercial vehicle inspectors,” said Sgt. Jeff Scott, in the release. “Officers observed a number of different issues, ranging from minor things that could be repaired on site, to major issues which required the vehicle to be towed. This type of initiative is one of the many different ways that we ensure road safety.”

Officers focused on a number of mechanical components and driver qualifications including brakes, tires, lights, steering, load security, driver licensing and driver fatigue. Inspections included a quick visual check plus a look into the carrier’s history, noted the release.