A German-registered road transport company is facing a fine of roughly €66,740 after being caught conducting illegal cabotage in Poland.
The German haulier was transporting an abnormal load in the Lubuskie region last Thursday when it became subject to checks by the Provincial Road Transport Inspectorate.
During the inspection, it was found that the truck picked up an abnormal load in Głogów (in this case a wind turbine part), and was to deliver it to a wind farm being constructed in the Masurian Lake District.
After checking the documents and questioning the drivers, the inspectors found that the German haulier was carrying out illegal cabotage. The goods were transported between two localities in Poland with the use of vehicles registered in another country.
On top of that, the inspectors discovered that the German carrier’s abnormal load permits were not actually issued to the entities conducting the transport. As a result, the inspectors could not recognize the permits.
The authorities then suspended the transport of the abnormal load until the irregularities had been resolved. The Provincial Road Transport Inspectorate say that “administrative proceedings will now be initiated against carriers”.
The company’s violations amount to 300,000zł according to the authorities. However, “due to statutory limitations”, the final fine is expected to be lower.
In a statement, the Provincial Road Transport Inspectorate said their checks showed that it “cares about the observance of the principles of fair competition in transport and protecting the Polish transport market against illegal practices applied by foreign carriers.”
Photo credit: Wojewódzki Inspektorat Transportu Drogowego w Gorzowie Wielkopolskim