Police Checked Over a Thousand Trucks – Harsh Findings
Finnish police conducted inspections on over 1,300 heavy vehicles, revealing serious violations among drivers, including issues with driving times and equipment malfunctions.
Last week, Finnish police conducted an intensive inspection of more than 1,300 heavy vehicles throughout Finland, uncovering significant violations among the drivers inspected. According to police reports, nearly one in four drivers received at least one sanction, indicating widespread compliance issues. The five-day enforcement operation particularly highlighted violations related to driving and rest times, with police identifying a total of 150 such infractions during the inspections.
This year, police authorities paid special attention to the correct usage of tachographs, which are critical for monitoring driving times and ensuring safety on the roads. As a result, the number of tachograph-related violations more than doubled compared to previous inspections, totaling 89 violations. Police Inspector Kari Onninen noted that although violations regarding driving and rest times remained consistent with past enforcement trends, the increased scrutiny on tachographs has led to a significant uptick in related offenses.
Additionally, the police noted that 50 vehicles were found to be in poor condition, and journeys for 12 of these vehicles were halted due to their particularly dangerous state. The inspections also revealed shortcomings in the transportation of hazardous materials, further underscoring the risks associated with heavy vehicle operations in Finland. This operation reflects ongoing efforts by law enforcement to enhance road safety, particularly for heavy trucks that can pose serious risks to public safety if not properly regulated and maintained.