Authorities scrutinize commercial vehicles - Police inspect trailers and buses for contraband
Police Presidency Cracks Down on Commercial Vehicle Violations
In an effort to ensure road safety and compliance with regulations, the Police Presidency in Recklinghausen conducted vehicle checks across the districts of Recklinghausen and Bottrop on August 8. These checks were part of statewide control measures involving multiple organizations, including Customs, the Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM), the TÜV, and other network partners.
During the inspections, a total of 201 vehicles were examined, with 99 vehicles identified as having violations. The main violations were found to be related to social regulations, particularly driving and rest times of drivers, and cargo securing regulations.
Friederike Zurhausen, a representative from the Police Presidency, emphasized that the prescribed rest times are not just a nuisance imposed by the legislature. She explained that these rest periods protect not only other road users but also drivers of passenger transport and trucks. The police are taking a tough stance on violations of driving and rest times, as they can have serious consequences, including cumulative fatigue, accidents, and legal penalties such as fines and imprisonment.
Common violations found during vehicle checks in commercial passenger and goods traffic, especially regarding driving and rest times as well as cargo securing regulations, include log falsification, Electronic Logging Device (ELD) non-compliance, and ignoring required rest. In the realm of cargo securing, common issues revolve around improper securing methods and unsecured loads, which pose grave safety risks and legal breaches.
Eleven vehicles were found to have insufficiently secured cargo during the inspections. Fortunately, no signs of tachograph manipulation were found in any of the inspected vehicles. Many vehicles were cleared to continue their journey after a brief inspection. However, seven vehicles were prohibited from continuing due to the identified violations.
These vehicle checks are a crucial step in maintaining safety on our roads and ensuring that commercial vehicles operate within the law. The Police Presidency Recklinghausen will continue to work closely with their network partners to conduct such checks and enforce compliance with regulations.
The Police Presidency is determined to enforce compliance with regulations in the transportation industry, focusing on driving and rest times as well as cargo securing regulations, as violation of these rules can have severe consequences, such as accidents, fines, and imprisonment. These checks were not only restricted to commercial vehicles, but also extended to the finance industry, ensuring that commercial institutions adhere to financial regulations to prevent fraud or illicit transactions.
Industries like finance and transportation have a shared responsibility to prioritize safety and comply with regulations, as regular checks will not only ensure the well-being of all road users, but also help maintain a stable and fair market by deterring illegal activities.
