OTTAWA – A west end commercial vehicle blitz led to nine vehicles taken off the road Tuesday, July 23.

“On Tuesday July 23, the Ottawa Police Traffic Services Unit, along with Ontario Ministry of Transportation officers, conducted a commercial motor vehicle safety blitz in the west end of Ottawa where 26 commercial vehicle inspections were completed,” the Ottawa Police Services (OPS) released in a statement last Monday (July 29).

Nine vehicles were taken out of service for a variety of issues, including lack of annual inspections, load security and weight restrictions.   

“These vehicles were not able to continue until the repairs were made or issues rectified,” the OPS said. “A total of 25 charges were laid between the Ottawa Police and MTO, including insecure load, improper class of driver’s licence, and failure to wear seatbelt to name a few.”

“We are seeing drivers of commercial motor vehicles that are lacking or have improper cargo securement on their loads,” said Ottawa Police Traffic Services Const. Phil Kane. “Drivers and operators must realize that operating a commercial motor vehicle comes with certain requirements that are mandated by law and it is their responsibility to comply.”

Ottawa Police is committed to road safety to ensure the roads are safe for all road users.

“We recognize that there is a high volume of commercial vehicle traffic in the City of Ottawa,” added Staff Sgt. Marc Andre Sheehy, Ottawa Police Traffic Services. “Ensuring these vehicles are in good order is important to us, as we strive to make roads safe for everyone in our community.”