Last month, Tilbury Port underwent a comprehensive police operation aimed at ensuring the roadworthiness and compliance of Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) entering the docks.
The Essex Police’s commercial vehicle unit (CVU) collaborated with the DVSA to conduct vehicle checks and download tachograph records to verify compliance with legal break requirements.
During the operation, CVU officers stopped a container-loaded lorry. Upon inspecting the load’s safety, they discovered that all four twist locks were broken, resulting in the issuance of a temporary prohibition. This critical finding meant the container was dangerously positioned atop its base.
Emphasizing the driver’s responsibility for vehicle safety, Sergeant Jason Dearsley, CVU lead, reiterated the importance of pre-journey checks, even if drivers are not directly involved in loading.
Dearsley stated, “Road safety remains our paramount concern, and we are dedicated to collaborating with partners and haulage organizations to uphold safety standards while minimizing disruptions to port operations.”
In the past year, the CVU conducted 1,359 HGV stops, resulting in 934 traffic offense reports. Additionally, 164 prohibitions were issued, 37 individuals were arrested, and 54 vehicles were seized, underscoring the unit’s commitment to ensuring road safety and compliance.
