To get answers to these questions, the police organized a major inspection on Monday, September 8, on the Parallelweg in Beverwijk. The police did this together with the Tax Authority, Environmental Service IJmond, Inspection of Living Environment and Transport, and Customs. This way, it can be checked as completely as possible for waste transports and the transport of hazardous substances.

Results: cargo too heavy, no code 95 and loose load

A total of 87 vehicles were checked. These were mainly trucks from various companies from different countries. Here are the results:

  • 7 times the cargo was between 12% and 44% too heavy
  • 5 drivers were holding their phone while driving
  • 3 trucks had too slick tires, which can be dangerous if the driver needs to brake
  • 2 times the load was loose
  • in 1 truck, the auxiliary coupling was not secured properly, which can cause the trailer to detach
  • 1 longer and heavier truck combination was too long, this truck was therefore longer than 25.25 meters
  • 1 driver did not have the correct transport document for hazardous substances with him
  • 2 drivers did not have a copy of their NIWO permit with them. This permit is mandatory for transporting goods in the Netherlands
  • for 4 drivers, it was not possible to check the driving and rest times:
    • 2 drivers did not have a tachograph (a device that records driving times),
    • 2 drivers did not have a driver card for the tachograph, which is needed to keep track of the times
  • 1 driver was driving without a mandatory code 95, this code is necessary for professional drivers to prove their competence.

Four people arrested

In addition to these findings, 4 people were also arrested:

  • one driver was under the influence
  • another driver was under the influence and had no drivers license
  • one person for insult and possession of a weapon
  • one person was wanted for providing DNA.

Why are these types of controls important?

The police conduct these types of controls for the environment, public health safety, fair competition in the transport sector, and traffic safety. It is important that companies comply with the rules regarding cargo, transport, and driving times, but also that drivers do not drive under the influence or get distracted by their phones.