DEAUVILLE, QUEBEC — A dairy tanker truck was pulled over at a Quebec checkpoint on April 27 after inspectors found it was nearly 26,000 kilograms over the maximum allowed weight and had been leaking milk from the top of the tanker throughout its journey.
The incident occurred at the Deauville checkpoint in Quebec’s Eastern Townships. The maximum weight allowed at that checkpoint is 45,000 kg. The truck weighed in at 70,850 kg — a difference of 25,850 kg. The tanker was excessively full, causing milk to spill from the top with each movement of the truck, posing both a safety and environmental hazard along the route.
Inspectors also found cracks near the rear of the tanker. The vehicle was taken out of service. The carrier received a $4,200 fine and the operator was penalized $1,218.
“The tanker was excessively full, causing spills from the top of the tanker throughout the journey. With each movement of the truck, milk leaked, posing a safety and environmental hazard,” the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec said. “Furthermore, an overloaded heavy vehicle is less safe because its braking, handling and stability are compromised.”
The SAAQ noted that the incident occurred during Quebec’s spring thaw period, when roads are 30 to 70 percent more fragile than normal. “During the spring thaw, this overload accelerates road deterioration and also compromises the safety of road users,” the agency said, adding that a single overloaded vehicle can cause significant road damage during this period.
Quebec’s spring thaw restrictions are in effect as follows: Zone 1 covers southern Quebec below Mont-Tremblant from March 16 to May 15. Zone 2 runs from Tremblant to Val-D’Or from April 13 to June 12. Zone 3 covers northern Quebec from April 20 to June 10.
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