Uncovered Trucking Violations: Europe-wide Crackdown on Heavy Goods Vehicles
Multiple infractions identified during truck inspections, according to authorities. - Truck Inspections Yield Multiple Violations by Authorities
In a bid to maintain road safety and enforce EU regulations, authorities have been vigilant in checking heavy goods vehicles across motorways. Last week alone, Thuringian police found 52 out of 74 inspected trucks flouting rules - that's an astonishing 70% violation rate!
These infractions ranged from speeding offenses to social rule breaches and improper tachograph operation. Additionally, 15 vehicles were halted due to hazardous cargo, technical faults, or overloading. Six drivers were prohibited from carrying on with their journeys. The Thuringian police's initiatives were part of Roadpol's Europe-wide control measures, with further checks focused on speed, seat belts, and alcohol and drug-related incidents planned for the near future.
On the continent-wide front, common violations among controlled trucks involve disregard for driving and rest time stipulations (Regulation EC No 561/2006), tachograph misuse (Regulation EU No 165/2014), and vehicle roadworthiness problems under Directive 2014/47/EU. Speeding and overloading, while less prevalent in terms of frequency, are still significant issues.
Thuringian police checks and ROADPOL actions parallel these trends, targeting EU-wide regulations on driving/rest time and tachograph use, technical roadside vehicle inspections for roadworthiness, and speed compliance and vehicle load regulations. The German Police Union proposes a harmonized traffic fine system across the EU for consistent enforcement, while the EU's Common Formula Risk Rating System encourages compliance with rules on driving/rest times, tachographs, and vehicle safety inspections. The long-term goal is to reduce accidents and improve safety outcomes on European roads.
- The Germany Police Union suggests a harmonized traffic fine system across the EU to ensure consistent enforcement, which aligns with the EU's Common Formula Risk Rating System aimed at improving compliance with rules related to driving/rest times, tachographs, and vehicle safety inspections.
- The community policy and employment policy should include provisions for industry, finance, transportation, and sports sectors as well, considering the findings of high violation rates in the trucking industry, particularly in relation to employment policy issues such as adherence to driving and rest time regulations, tachograph use, vehicle roadworthiness, and speed compliance.
