Published on Friday, March 24, 2006
in the WINK TV News

Checkpoint nabs nearly 24 trucks for violations

Nearly two-dozen trucks were off the roads Wednesday night.

The trucks were cited for various violations at a highway patrol checkpoint Wednesday morning.

Starting before dawn, trucks were directed into the Lee County Civic Center parking lot.

Florida Highway Patrol troopers checked dump trucks, 18-wheelers and other heavy trucks for proper registration, maintenance, and safety violations like being overweight.

“Overweight trucks cause premature wear on the highways,’ said Lt. Chick Richards of the Department of Transportation. “And of course, the more often you have to repair the highways, the more it costs the taxpayers, and the more construction you have"

Two truck drivers are accused of dropping part of their load when they discovered the checkpoint.

They face illegal dumping charges.