Widespread police checks on commercial vehicles carrying passengers and cargo - 11 district police forces from Düsseldorf lent their support to this statewide operation - A total of 591 trucks were examined by the authorities
In North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), Germany, a coordinated effort involving multiple agencies and authorities was undertaken to ensure the safety of commercial vehicles and goods transport. The operation, carried out by the police in NRW, aimed to reduce the number of accidents involving trucks and increase road safety for all users.
The controls were conducted throughout the state, with control points set up at nine locations: Grevenbroich, Neuss, Rheurdt, Duisburg, Nettetal, Hünxe, Essen, Mülheim, and Wuppertal. The Düsseldorf Police Presidency coordinated the operation, assisted by eleven district police authorities, customs, the Federal Office for Logistics and Goods Transport, and the municipalities.
During the operation, a total of 591 trucks were inspected. The results revealed several violations, with 127 instances of speeding, 178 instances of following distance violations, and 58 violations of proper cargo securing. There were also 56 instances of general technical defects in the vehicles.
Seven drivers were found to be under the influence of intoxicants, and the driving licenses of three drivers were confiscated. A total of 55 vehicles were prohibited from continuing their journey. The traffic services of the individual authorities pooled their competencies for the controls.
Police Director Reiner Schiffer expressed satisfaction with the operation, emphasising the importance of ensuring safety and regulatory compliance for goods transport in NRW. The controls derive primarily from EU regulations implemented in Germany, with NRW enforcement aligned with federal laws through the Ministry for Transport and local transport authorities.
While there were no specific NRW deviations from federal rules on these commercial vehicle matters, the operation underscores the commitment of NRW authorities to enforcing regulations for driving and rest periods, cargo securing, and technical defects, focusing on the three key areas of commercial vehicle operation. The controls serve as a reminder to operators to prioritise safety and compliance to ensure the well-being of all road users in NRW.
- The coordinated operation in North Rhine-Westphalia also extended to sectors beyond goods transport, with auto-racing events under scrutiny for adhering to safety standards and finance regulations.
- In addition to ensuring the safety of commercial vehicles and goods transport, the Düsseldorf Police Presidency collaborated with transportation authorities to conduct inspections on racing vehicles participating in local sports events.
- With racing incidents in the sports industry posing a potential risk to participants, spectators, and other road users, fines were imposed for violations such as speeding, unsafe following distances, and technical defects, aligning with both EU and German regulations.
