The commercial drivers of 16 vehicles have been without their wheels since Wednesday, when multiple law enforcement agencies in the Lower Mainland conducted vehicle safety checks.

The Coquitlam RCMP says in a written statement that a total of 28 commercial vehicles were inspected, with 16 of them being taken out of service due to safety issues. 

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In addition, officers detected 69 vehicle defects and issued 12 violation tickets.

In one critical incident, police removed a semi-truck pulling a trailer that was 5,260 kg overweight as permitted by its insurance.

The truck’s tires and chains were also worn out.

The BC Highway Patrol, Metro Vancouver Transit Police, and the Delta Police Department also took part in the joint safety check operation.

Sgt. Mark McCutcheon with the Coquitlam RCMP Traffic Unit says that the collaboration is needed as commercial vehicles, such as semi-trucks and others, routinely cross municipal boundaries throughout the Lower Mainland.

“Commercial vehicle operators have a responsibility to ensure their vehicles are operated within the law and remain in safe working condition,” McCutcheon said.

“Failing to properly maintain their vehicles and operating outside of what’s legally permitted puts all road users at significant risk.”