BURNABY, B.C. — In early October Burnaby RCMP officers stopped a commercial vehicle driving north on Royal Oak Avenue approaching the steep downhill grade at Oakmount Crescent.
The vehicle was operating on a road not designated as a truck route. What was discovered next was enough to have it placed out of service.
Cst. Kevin Connolly, Burnaby RCMP’s Designated Commercial Vehicle Inspector, conducted a complete inspection of the vehicle.
At the time of the stop, a significant air leak was heard with the truck struggling to maintain a normal air pressure level and the spring brake (parking / emergency) was observed to be partially engaged with all six brakes running hot, creating a harsh burning smell.
During the inspection, the primary air line causing the air leak ruptured and the air brake system failed. Had this occurred while the vehicle was descending the hill, the driver likely would have lost all braking ability, potentially causing a catastrophic collision at or near the busy intersection of Royal Oak Avenue and Deer Lake Parkway.
While the braking system failure was enough to place this truck out of service, this was not the only safety issue observed.
Officers observed the following additional infractions:
- Overweight front axle;
- Insecure cargo;
- The driver was not wearing a seat belt.
In total, seven tickets were issued totalling $1,547. The vehicle was placed out of service and ordered to an inspection facility.
