The action followed checks of more than 183,000 trucks across 26 countries from October 10-16.  Co-ordinated by TISPOL, the European Traffic Police Network, the operation saw police carrying out a wide range of safety inspections that focused on speeding, alcohol, drugs, seatbelt use, tachograph infringements, excess weight, dangerous loading and document offences. 

A total of 41,379 offences were reported, including the following:

-477 drivers for alcohol and drug offences9,237 offences of exceeding the speed limit

-9,925 instances of drivers exceeding their maximum permitted time at the wheel

-2,247 overweight trucks and 1,582 insecure loads. Of the 2,419 trucks prohibited from continuing their journeys, most were because of technical defects on the vehicles

-A number of countries also carried out checks for illegal immigration and people trafficking, as well as the transporting of illegal drugs, firearms and stolen goods. A total of 71 crimes were detected for these activities including 10 for illegal immigration, eight for illegal drugs, two for firearms offences and seven for stolen goods.

Pasi Kemppainen (Inset), TISPOL president, said: ‘TISPOL is committed to safer, more secure roads across Europe. Key to this is improved monitoring of large goods vehicles, their drivers and their cargoes. We know that the vast majority of truck drivers and operators take a pride in the quality and safety of their work, and we strive to support them. We find they value the work we do, and co-operation with them at the roadside is generally excellent. 

‘It is against the less scrupulous operators, who put profits first and who will cut safety corners in the process, that our efforts are focused.  We are also working to ensure a more consistent enforcement of current laws governing large goods vehicle safety.’