Commercial vehicles such as taxis, trucks and buses were the focus of an operation carried out by a specialist group of police officers from the Commercial Vehicle Investigation Unit [CVIU] at the weekend.
The officers are based at Police Motorways Headquarters by the Auckland Harbour Bridge. The two night operation was carried out at several locations in the Waitakere City area, including the main arterial off ramps from the North Western Motorway.
Sergeant Brian Locke of the Commercial Vehicle Investigation Unit, [CVIU] says recent incidents in Auckland City have revealed a high level of non compliance by some commercial operators particularly those active in taxi industry.
'Police stopped 223 commercial vehicles during this operation. Among these were 145 taxis. CVIU officers detected a variety of offences being committed by taxi drivers. These included 19 logbook offences, and 11 driving hour's offences,' he said.
'Four drivers were detected operating with expired 'P' [Passenger] endorsements, and one driver was operating an unsealed meter. Police also detected a further seven general offences including expired certificates of fitness.'
'It's a concern that we are finding this level of offending by some persons in the taxi industry. Persons masquerading as taxi drivers have not had a police background check. Police checks are required for all taxi operators when they apply to have their passenger license endorsements renewed.'
Among the other significant apprehensions were 12 offences relating to road user overruns. One operator was 76,000 kilometres over his road user license. This will result in heavy penalties,' he said.
The CVIU will have further operations in an effort to reduce the level of offending among drivers of all commercial vehicles, whether they are taxis, buses, shuttles, trucks or light diesel vehicles,' Sergeant Brian Locke said.
ENDS:
Further Information from
Sergeant Brian Locke
Commercial Vehicle Investigation Unit
Mobile 0274-771-042