Unsecured loads of trash en route to dump focus of RNC blitz

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary stopped drivers on the way to the Robin Hood Bay facility Thursday to catch peoples with unsecured loads of trash in their vehicles.

The blitz was organized by the City of St. John's, provincial government and the RNC as part of a co-ordinated crackdown on people driving to the dump without taking precautions to keep their trash in their trucks.

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"Apparently there have been at least seven tickets that have been given out in the last hour or so. We gave out about 150 tickets in the last three or four months," said Environment Minister Dan Crummell.

"It comes down to common sense. If you have a large load aboard, a large load of objects, make sure you strap it down."

Anyone found with an unsecured load can be given a fine, ranging from a minimum of $180 or as high as $600 — or a warning ticket.

RNC Insp. Terry Corbin said people travelling with unsecured loads of debris in their vehicle pose a risk, mainly to other motorists.

"We've all probably experienced the situation where, if you're travelling on the highway, it could be windy and even by the vehicle's speed the wind can sometimes catch hold of those things and they can fall if they're not secured," said Corbin.

"The real danger is for someone who's following behind you not expecting that to happen and then all of a sudden to have to make a deviation or a turn because they respond so quickly without probably thinking as much as they might want to, and it can lead to a serious accident."

It comes down to common sense. If you have a large load aboard, a large load of objects, make sure you strap it down.- Minister Dan Crummell

Corbin said police will make a decision about consequences based on the circumstances and the specific situation to decide is a driver gets a warning or a fine.

However, he said given all the awareness campaigns by the RNC, province and the municipality, a fine is more likely at this point.

"We've had an education campaign, this is not a new subject matter," said Corbin.

"At some point in time enforcement is a necessary evil. It's about a [means to an end], it's getting to the point where people to understand look, we need to stop this activity for our environment, for our safety."

According to Corbin, there is some concern that people aware of a police stop near the dump could lead to illegal dumping, police plan to be more active stopping people before they get that far.