Dump truck drivers charged over ‘serious’ mechanical brake problems in Hamilton, Burlington: OPP

More than half of the gravel dump trucks inspected over two days this week were taken off the road because of “serious mechanical issues” — mostly brake problems — in the Hamilton and Burlington area, says the Ontario Provincial Police. 

The OPP Highway Safety Division handed out at least 27 charges for unsafe vehicles or defective equipment, said Sgt. Kerry Schmidt. He said the unit inspected 33 vehicles on Monday and Tuesday, finding defects from “cracked frames, out of adjustment brakes and insecure loads.”

“The most significant defect was a tractor trailer aggregate truck which was completely missing the front right side brake pads and backing shoes, resulting in metal on metal contact,” Schmidt told inthehammer.com in an email today (Oct. 26). “It shouldn’t be a problem if companies keep up with their maintenance. Unfortunately this can lead to collisions and tragedies.”

Half of the commercial vehicles inspected yesterday and today at a safety inspection campaign in Hamilton/Burlington area were taken off the road because of serious mechanical issues….mostly lack of brakes. #BurlingtonOPP ^ks. pic.twitter.com/Qg0PPNYfM5

— OPP Highway Safety Division (@OPP_HSD) October 24, 2023