GUELPH-ERAMOSA – Sixteen vehicles were taken off the road and 38 charges were laid by police during a recent commercial vehicle safety blitz.
The blitz, which ran on Nov. 14 at Wellington Road 86 and Elmira Road, north of Guelph, involved officers from Wellington County OPP and Guelph and Waterloo police services as well as the Ministry of Transportation.
Officials say the purpose of the commercial vehicle safety blitz was to:
– inspect vehicles for compliance with safety regulations;
– check drivers’ hours of service;
– ensure proper cargo securement; and
– address equipment violations.
Police say a total of 38 vehicles were checked, with 16 “placed out of service” and 38 charges laid.
“While [commercial vehicles] play a critical role in our economy, they also come with unique safety challenges,” stated an OPP press release.
“The goal of the [blitz] is to reduce accidents, protect lives, and keep our highways safe for all drivers. Remember: if you see something unsafe on the road, report it.”
Anyone who has an urgent traffic complaint or suspects an impaired driver should call 911 immediately.
For non-emergency complaints, call 1-888-310-1122 or visit opp.ca/reportacrime. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit a tip at csgw.tips.
Partner violence
WELLINGTON COUNTY – Local police continue to lay intimate partner violence charges across the county.
Those arrested include:
– a 63-year-old man from Rockwood, who was charged with mischief in relation to an incident in Rockwood on Nov. 6; and
– a 33-year-old Erin man, who was charged with uttering threats and failing to comply with a probation order in relation to an incident in Erin on Nov. 19.
The accused individuals are to appear in Guelph court at a later date.
OPP: residents are ‘valued safety partners’
ORILLIA – With 45 people killed in impaired driving incidents on OPP-patrolled roads this year, officials say the OPP is counting on drivers and citizens to help prevent further loss of life – especially during the holiday season.
“The OPP is already highly visible throughout the province, conducting Festive RIDE initiatives where they are checking for alcohol or drug impairment in drivers,” police stated in a Nov. 25 press release.
“Motorists – in particular those who are impaired – are seeing first-hand the methodical and meticulous detection and investigative process a police officer follows with their sophisticated set of tools and unparalleled expertise.”
Police say they want to remind residents that they are “among [the OPP’s] most valued safety partners, especially leading up to and during the holidays.
“With more than 16,000 calls to the OPP to report suspected impaired drivers this year, the OPP is praising these proactive citizens and encouraging people to continue making these important calls. By doing so, lives may be saved.”
The OPP is also counting on citizens to help ensure no one in their presence gets behind the wheel if they have consumed alcohol or taken drugs.
“The more people who do so, the fewer impaired drivers they will be sharing the road with,” police stated.
“The OPP thanks all drivers and citizens who do their part to help keep impaired drivers off our roads,” during the holiday season and in the new year.
