A massive operation to carry out checks on buses, coaches and lorries on the E40 motorway yesterday yielded impressive results. The checks carried out by various Belgian and even European bodies threw up a lot of violations. A total of 215 vehicles were checked. 180 offences were recorded.
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Motorway checks: inspectors unveil social fraud, seize weapons and drugs (VIDEO)
Colin Clapson
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Anyone passing Wetteren services on the Ostend-bound carriageways of the E40 on Tuesday could not miss it. More than 250 federal and local police officers, customs, various social inspection services, the European Labour Authority (ELA) and even foreign observers took part in the second edition of Operation Albatross organised by the federal road police of East Flanders.
215 vehicles, trucks and buses were taken out of traffic and subjected to checks. A total of 180 offences were detected on 154 vehicles.
Over 125,000 euros in fines
A total of 125,860.13 euros worth of fines were collected, but the federal police's An Berger stresses that operations like these are especially important in the context of road safety: "It is a huge amount, but we would prefer not to collect fines if that meant it was safer on our roads".
"It is also very important that we do this kind of operation together with all our partners - police, customs, social inspectorates and labour prosecutors - so that we can carry out checks on all possible infringements".
Most of the vehicles checked (154 out of 215) were found to have at least one infringement. "That's a high number. It means we need to continue doing this kind of operation".
Where necessary, for example in cases of violations of social legislation, further investigations will be launched.
Which offences were recorded?
Offences included 28 offences against social legislation ( e.g. illegal employment, economic exploitation, etc.); 22 offences against drive and rest periods or use of tachographs; 21 offences related to load securing or shipment; 21 offences related to technical issues; 2 infringements relating to animal welfare and 2 relating to food safety; 22 people were stopped with outstanding fines due to the Flemish tax administration and 13 to customs; one person was on the wanted list and is obliged to serve an 18-month custodial sentence; 4 drivers were caught using a mobile phone behind the wheel; 3 drivers did not have a valid driving licence and 1 driver tested positive for drugs; 2 charge sheets for drug possession were drawn up as well as 1 for illegal carrying of weapons.