Heidelberg police and local vehicle inspectors put their focus on trucks and trailers last Wednesday.

In another effort to keep roadways safe for drivers and pedestrians, borough officers and inspectors from Castle Shannon and Mt. Lebanon conducted a surprise checkpoint for vehicles weighing more than 17,000 pounds.

Starting at 7 a.m. police manned Route 50/East Railroad Street throughout the entire day, stopping trucks and tractor trailers to inspect them for compliance with state motor vehicle codes.

Heidelberg police Chief Vernon Barkley said the inspections are needed because motor carrier drivers --such as drivers of trucks and construction vehicles -- have an increased obligation to meet safety standards.

"They have a greater responsibility than the average car driver," he said.

During the afternoon, 12 trucks were stopped and five were put out of service. Drivers were able to call repairmen to fix problems on the spot so towing wouldn't become an issue.

Barkley said additional inspections will be held in Heidelberg at random times through the end of the year.

Among the inspectors from South Hills police departments who participated were James Fleckenstein of Castle Shannon police and Tom Sanders of Mt. Lebanon police.

Fleckenstein said some of the vehicle problems he viewed during the day were brakes that required adjustments, unsecured loads, improper lighting and drivers without medical certificates.

Officers must complete a six-week course to be certified as a state inspector.

Because of the increasing cost of gas and diesel fuel, Barkley said drivers might delay getting inspections.

This could mean that weight limitations are surpassed and equipment is not in compliance or is poorly maintained.

That fact, coupled with the size and weight of most trucks and tractor trailers, can be a deadly combination.