Winnipeg bus owner charged with 4 offences after brake defect found

Winnipeg police charged the owner and driver of a privately owned motor coach after an inspection found a major brake defect and the vehicle was placed out of service on October 3. The inspection was part of a planned enforcement operation with Manitoba Motor Carrier Enforcement (MMCE).

The coach was intercepted about 15 minutes before a publicly advertised trip was scheduled to begin, police said. After the inspection, Winnipeg Police Service members consulted with MMCE and received guidance from the agency before proceeding with enforcement action against the owner/driver.

Four charges issued

Police said the owner/driver was charged with four offences:

• Driving a vehicle with a major defect, under section 18(1) of Manitoba Regulation 95/2008.
• As a commercial vehicle driver, failing to inspect or have a trailer inspected for defects within each 24-hour period while it was in service, under section 7(4) of the regulation.
• Making a false statement by declaring a bus operated for compensation to be a private bus, under section 224(1) of the Highway Traffic Act.
• Operating a regulated vehicle without a valid Safety Fitness Certificate, under section 312.2(1)(a) of the Highway Traffic Act.

Police said vehicle inspections are important for checking compliance with safety standards and regulations. The service also highlighted its partnerships with agencies such as MMCE as part of its road safety work.