Police uncover serious defects in Schrems farm vehicle checks

Police found serious safety defects during a targeted inspection of agricultural and forestry vehicles in Schrems, in the district of Gmünd, ORF reported. They barred 10 vehicles from continuing their journeys.

One vehicle combination, consisting of a tractor and two agricultural trailers that were not approved for road use, had numerous faults. Police cited severe overloading, brakes that did not work on the second trailer and badly cracked tyres, including a crack extending through to the steel fabric.

The brake valve on one trailer had broken off and been tied back to the frame with a string. The trailer drawbar was badly bent and had been welded as a temporary repair, according to the Lower Austria State Police Directorate.

Across the checks, police recorded 34 serious technical defects, including 15 classified as posing an immediate danger. Faulty lights were the most common problem, while brakes and tyres were also frequently deemed unsafe. Only four of the 20 vehicles inspected met all requirements.

The drivers and registered owners will be reported to the relevant district administrative authority. Police also stopped nine other agricultural vehicles from continuing their journeys.