Kirchheim crackdown exposes fraud and unsafe lorries in major traffic operation
**Eastern Hesse Police Headquarters**
***Kirchheim** (our platform)*
As part of the Hesse Truckers' Round Table, a commercial goods traffic control took place in Kirchheim on Wednesday (17.09.). Specialized forces from various control authorities of the police headquarters of East and Central Hesse, the Federal Office of Logistics and Mobility, the customs office, and the government presidency of Kassel were on site to conduct targeted heavy traffic controls and provide important educational work. A technical expert was also present to answer vehicle-related questions. The action took place on the grounds of the SVG Kirchheim service area. In addition to increasing traffic safety through targeted controls, the event also served as a direct communication and exchange platform with drivers, companies, professional associations, and interested parties. For example, 30 professional truck drivers had the opportunity to observe the control forces at work, learn about important topics in their daily work, and have their questions answered.
In addition to compliance with driving and rest times, technical vehicle conditions, cargo securing, and dangerous goods regulations, the issue of distraction in road traffic was another focus of the targeted controls. A total of 62 vehicles and persons were inspected.
The control forces discovered various violations and defects. In three cases, further travel was prohibited until the defects were rectified or a vehicle was immobilized. Due to suspected document forgery, two vehicles were prohibited from continuing their journey. There is suspicion that a driver from the Kassel district has forged the HU sticker and associated documents of a vehicle. In another case, a Romanian driver and the Austrian company representative are suspected of forging an EU community license required for cross-border goods transport. In both cases, criminal charges were filed with the competent public prosecutor's office. Due to technical defects in the brake lines, a Romanian articulated lorry was only allowed to continue its journey after the defects had been rectified.
The results of the controls were, in addition to the forged documents, numerous violations of the so-called social regulations (driving and rest times), uncovered technical defects, and general traffic violations. Proceedings were initiated for fines in the low five-figure range.
Parallel to the control, the Truckers' Round Table also offered the opportunity for open exchange on current topics in the transport industry. Drivers, press representatives, and interested parties took the opportunity to ask questions and engage in direct conversation with the control authorities.
In conclusion, it can be noted that a transparent contribution to increasing traffic safety and acceptance of controls in this context was made during the action day.
