During the week from 18 to 24 July 2022, the Police conducted an intensive nation-wide control campaign focusing on heavy traffic. Involving all Police departments, the control period was also part of the European-wide control theme of the European Roads Policing Network (ROADPOL).
̶ The particular feature catching the eye during this campaign was the increasing share of heavy vehicles that were out of order, in comparison to the total number of vehicles controlled. For example, the number of vehicles suspended and blocked from continuing the drive was higher than before, Chief Superintendent Kari Onninen of the National Police Board comments on the results.
The lacking order of the vehicle resulted in 57 sanctions. In 14 cases, the vehicle was totally banned from driving any further.
In addition, the number of violations related to driving and rest times is still far too high in relation to the total number of controlled vehicles.
̶ The improvements we have hoped for have not materialised, Chief Superintendent Onninen adds.
Violations to driving and rest times totalled 140. In 25 cases, the vehicle running recorder, or tachograph, was not used in line with the respective legislation. The cargo was secured inadequately in 59 controlled vehicles while 26 overloads were found by the Police. During the campaign, the Police detected 11 drivers who did not have the licence to drive the vehicle in question.
Controls involved over 1300 vehicles
During the campaign, a total of 1308 heavy vehicles were controlled. About 15 percent of them were registered abroad.
The total of 280 different sanctions were issued to the drivers. The proportion of the sanctions of all controls was the same as in the corresponding control period last year. Similar to last year, some drivers received sanctions for several simultaneous violations.
The objective of the control campaign is not only improved traffic safety but also the prevention of grey economy and traffic-related criminality. This year’s controls were targeted at the most evident problems detected during earlier corresponding campaigns, such as the non-compliance of prescribed driving and rest periods, at cargo securement and vehicle condition.
