Fifteen commercial trucks were taken off the road during two recent enforcement blitzes on Highway 97 in the Okanagan.
B.C. Highway Patrol teamed up with Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement (CVSE) officers for the joint force operations near Osoyoos and Summerland in late February and early March.
During the first operation on Feb. 26 near Osoyoos, officers conducted 36 inspections of light and heavy commercial vehicles. The operation resulted in 10 violation tickets, 16 inspection or repair orders, and four trucks removed from service due to safety concerns.
A second operation on March 7 north of Summerland produced even more enforcement action. Officers conducted almost 60 commercial vehicle checks, issued 37 violation tickets, ordered 41 inspections or repairs, and removed 11 trucks from service.
“Good operators are getting undercut by unsafe drivers who do not spend money on repairs and maintenance,” said Cpl. Michael McLaughlin with B.C. Highway Patrol.
“Not only do Joint Force Operations make the roads safer immediately, they also encourage a level playing field for the bulk of commercial drivers who are following the law and taking pride in their work.”
Police note that the results from joint force operations should not be seen as representative of the commercial trucking industry overall. Vehicles are typically pulled over during these operations after officers observe potential mechanical or safety problems.
B.C. Highway Patrol said it will continue working with CVSE throughout 2026 to monitor commercial vehicles and enforce safety rules on highways across the province.
