Dangerous cargo violations halt two trucks in A4 highway crackdown

Major Traffic Check Targets Waste and Hazardous Goods Transport

Last Thursday, the commercial vehicle and freight traffic control unit of the Autobahn police conducted a large-scale inspection focusing on waste and hazardous materials. Officers primarily targeted vehicles over 3.5 tons carrying waste or dangerous goods, which must be properly marked with warning signs.

The operation also involved trainees from an advanced ADR (European Agreement Concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road) seminar at the Thuringian Police Training Center. Participants included officers from Thuringia as well as inspectors from Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt. Representatives from the Thuringian State Criminal Police Office (environmental crime division), the Thuringian State Office for the Environment, Mining, and Nature Conservation (waste regulation oversight), and the Thuringian State Administrative Office supported the inspection as part of the training exercise.

A total of 19 vehicles were checked at the Eichelborn service area on the A4 highway.

Two hazardous goods transports had such serious violations that they were prohibited from continuing their journeys. One vehicle was carrying environmentally hazardous dried sludge, but its load securing was grossly inadequate.

The second vehicle was transporting diesel fuel. Its mandatory fire extinguisher was defective, and the control cabinet contained unsecured, unlabeled residue from the cargo in unsuitable buckets. Additionally, the cabinet held unauthorized equipment, and technical defects were found in the braking system.

Even a small van ended up under scrutiny. Though registered as a refrigerated transport vehicle, its cooling system was broken. As a makeshift solution, a refrigerator had been placed on the loading area—inside, deep-frozen goods had already exceeded the required temperature. Other food items were left unprotected on the dirty cargo floor, violating all food safety regulations.

Numerous violations were recorded overall. Among them were inadequate documentation as required by hazardous materials regulations, insufficient load securing, and breaches of driving and rest time rules.

Regular inspections of heavy goods vehicles significantly enhance road safety. Due to their size and weight, trucks, buses, and vans pose a higher risk. Using specialized knowledge and equipment, inspectors thoroughly examine these "road giants" to remove defective vehicles from circulation.

For inquiries, please contact: Thuringian Police Autobahn Police Inspectorate Press Office Natalie Meier Phone: +49 36601 70103 Email: [email protected] www.thueringen.de/th3/polizei/autobahnpolizeiinspektion/index