Every spring the Thunder Bay Police Service receives numerous public complaints for insecure loads. To address these complaints, the Traffic Unit sets up periodic insecure load spot checks in and around high violation areas.
On May 25th, 2019, the Traffic unit conducted a spot check for insecure loads near the City Landfill Site on Mapleward Road.
This spot check resulted in more than 150 vehicles being checked. Officers were pleased to find that motorist have been much more complaint with insecure load legislation than in years past. Although there were still two charges issued for insecure loads and several others for various other infractions, officers found that violation rates were quite low.
Many drivers were provided with suggestions on how to secure and cover their loads better.
Drivers are reminded that you cannot carry a load on a vehicle or trailer unless the load is loaded, bound, secured, contained or covered so that no portion of the load may become dislodged or fall, leak, spill or blow from the vehicle.
A piece of wood on top of a bunch of light branches, a single large heavy item held by gravity only or driving slowly so items do not fall out of your vehicle are not proper excuses for an insecure load violation.
The Thunder Bay Police will continue to do periodic insecure load spot checks at various locations in the city. Please ensure your load is properly secured.