Community
Commercial Truck Traffic Enforcement
Nature of Incident: | Commercial Truck Traffic Enforcement | |||||
Location: | Moorpark, CA | |||||
Unit(s) Responsible: | Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Moorpark Police Department – Traffic Unit |
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Narrative: |
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The Moorpark Police Department, and the City of Moorpark, frequently receive complaints regarding traffic safety, due to the amount of tractor-trailers and commercial vehicles traveling through the city. The Moorpark Police Department is committed to ensuring safe travel of motor vehicles through the city. The Moorpark Police Department Traffic Unit and the California Highway Patrol routinely combine efforts and conduct roadside mechanical safety inspections on commercial vehicles. The mechanical safety inspections often take place on Los Angeles Avenue in Moorpark. During these inspections, many tractor-trailers and commercial vehicles have been removed from service and towed away due to mechanical problems that cause safety concerns, such as faulty brakes, suspension, and tires. Several drivers have also been cited for being unlicensed. The majority of traffic occurs during weekday business hours, with an average of 243 commercial vehicles travelling through the city every hour. The Moorpark Police Department’s three motorcycle deputies dedicate approximately one-third of their time working commercial enforcement. The City of Moorpark recognizes the safety concerns related to commercial truck violations and has earmarked money specifically for commercial traffic enforcement. In 2018, Moorpark Station deputies issued 983 traffic and parking citations for commercial truck violations. Many of the citations were a direct result of the increased enforcement. Deputies also arrested commercial drivers for a variety of offenses, such as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, possession of illegal drugs, transportation of illegal drugs for sales, possession of loaded firearms, possession of false driver’s licenses or vehicle registrations, and warrants. As a result of the above enforcement actions deputies have towed over 60 tractor-trailers and commercial vehicles since January 1, 2018. Recently, a motorcycle officer conducted a traffic enforcement stop on a tractor-trailer for a false license plate (see attached photo). During the investigation, the driver appeared to be under the influence of narcotics. The driver was arrested for driving under the influence, possession of methamphetamine, being an unlicensed driver, and having an active warrant for his arrest. The tractor-trailer he was driving was towed from the scene because it was unsafe to be driven. Deputies from the Moorpark Police Department will continue to enforce the California Vehicle Code with respect to commercial vehicles traveling through the city. As stated above, these directed efforts are meant to ensure safe travel for all motorists. |
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Prepared by: | Senior Deputy David Anaya | |||||
News Release Date: | 06/10/2019 | |||||
Media Follow-Up Contact: | Senior Deputy David Anaya 805-947-8217 [email protected] |
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Approved by: |
Captain Victor Fazio |
Address/Location
Ventura County Sheriff's Office
800 S Victoria Ave
Ventura, CA 93003
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 805-654-9511