Five-day enforcement blitz of transport trucks in northern Ont. ends with 429 charges

From Sept. 9-13, the Ontario Provincial Police Northeast Traffic Incident Management Enforcement unit partnered with the Ministry of Transportation Ontario along with area detachment members on what it calls a "comprehensive highway safety enforcement initiative."

More than 1,496 drivers were screened for impaired and four were charged in stops on Highway 144, Highway 655 in and near Timmins and Highway 11 in Cochrane.

More than 1,496 drivers were screened for impaired and four were charged in stops on Highway 144, Highway 655 in and near Timmins and Highway 11 in Cochrane.

It resulted in 429 provincial offences charges and 46 commercial motor vehicles were taken off the road, police said in a news release Thursday. Police also laid two stunt driving charges.

"This operation was directed towards the issue of unsafe vehicles on our highways," police said.

As police looked for driving infractions, the MTO conducted visual inspections of the vehicles "to ensure their compliance with legal and safety standards," police said.

"These measures were implemented to enhance road safety and ensure that all CMVs met the necessary requirements for safe operation."

"During this campaign, the OPP recovered a small amount of crystal meth and cannabis that was readily available to the driver. Three drivers were issued three-day driving suspensions on account of registering a 'warn range' on a roadside test."

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In addition to ground enforcement, the OPP aviation unit monitored the roadways to look for dangerous driving by the CMVs, "particularly those following too closely and speed," police said.

In addition to ground enforcement, the OPP aviation unit monitored the roadways to look for dangerous driving by the CMVs, 'particularly those following too closely and speed.' (OPP photos)

In addition to ground enforcement, the OPP aviation unit monitored the roadways to look for dangerous driving by the CMVs, 'particularly those following too closely and speed.' (OPP photos)

"In one notable instance, the aviation unit observed a CMV maintaining a dangerously close distance of just two feet from the vehicle ahead. The aerial perspective provided by the aviation unit allowed officers to precisely measure and document these infractions."

"This collaborative effort underscores the OPP's commitment to enhancing public safety through proactive enforcement measures," the release said.