A Joint Forces Operation with a number of agencies lead by Cobourg Police and including Northumberland OPP, Ministry of Transportation, and Ministry of Environment took place on Monday, July 29, 2019 in Cobourg targeting unsafe motor vehicles, commercial motor vehicles, modified motor vehicles.
The safety blitz was held during the day in the parking lot beside Fellowship Baptist Church on Elgin Street.
Cobourg Police Sgt. Mike Richardson explained officers on patrol would direct various drivers to the location where they were inspected for any defects.
“It’s all for the safety of everyone on the road,” explained Richardson to Today’s Northumberland.
“That’s the pedestrian walking on the sidewalk, the motor vehicle on the road, e-bikes – everything.”
During the day a number of drivers received tickets or had their plates removed from the vehicle as they were deemed unfit for the road.
A taxi had it’s license plates removed and was towed away for various defects including the tires were very worn to the point there was almost no tread.
The driver of a modified pickup truck was given a $110 ticket for a obstructed license plate.
Another vehicle that had plates removed was from Pembroke.
Richardson spotted the vehicle heading northbound on Burnham Street when he pulled the vehicle over because the suspension, “seemed really loose.”
Richardson explained as he was walking up to the vehicle, he smelled something he thought was gasoline.
After a brief inspection around the vehicle Richardson noticed the vehicle had near no tread on one of the tires and directed the driver to follow him to the inspection area.
Immediately upon inspection MTO officers noticed the right rear brake seal was “blown.”
“As I’m talking to the gentleman, he said, “can you do me a favour, I’m driving down from Pembroke to help a friends with house renovations.”
“Then he said, “I only drive this at night,” at which time I looked right at him, then looked up at the blue sky and said, “Sir, it’s daytime.”
Because of the numerous infractions the plates were pulled from the vehicle and a tow truck was called to the scene.
“Every motor vehicle has to have two braking systems (emergency brake). The emergency brake – all the components have been totally removed from that motor vehicle – they do not exist.”
Richardson said this type of vehicle is exactly why the do a motor vehicle safety blitz several times a year.
“Three MTO inspectors have never seen anything like it on the rear end. With the rear suspension not even attached to the motor vehicle.”
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
