By Times Chronicle Staff
Fifteen trucks have been removed from the road after two recent joint force operations (JFO) between BC Highway Patrol and Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement (CVSE) officers in the South Okanagan recently.
On February 26, on Highway 97 at the passing lanes north of Osoyoos, BC Highway Patrol and CVSE officers worked side by side inspecting commercial vehicles.
Enforcement action:
- 36 light and heavy commercial vehicles were checked;
- 10 violation tickets were issued;
- 16 inspections or repairs were ordered;
- four commercial vehicles were removed from service.
Similarly on March 7 on Highway 97 north of Summerland, a second JFO accomplished yielded a larger number of violations.
These include:
- Almost 60 light and heavy commercial vehicle checks;
- 37 violation tickets were issued;
- 41 inspections or repairs were ordered;
- 11 commercial vehicles were removed from service.
BC Highway Patrol and CVSE officers with commercial vehicles stopped on Highway #97 near Summerland.
RCMP photo
“Good operators are getting undercut by unsafe drivers who do not spend money on repairs and maintenance,” says Corporal Michael McLaughlin with BC 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.”
McLaughlin noted that vehicles pulled over during the joint operations for more in-depth inspections when investigators have observed suspected mechanical or safety issues, statistics resulting from these operations are not representative of the industry as a whole.
Throughout 2026, BC Highway Patrol said it will continue its ongoing partnership with CVSE on highways throughout the province to ensure that commercial operators are driving safely and within the law.
