Styria checks pull 10 unsafe vehicles off A9

Police took 10 vehicles off the road during focused checks on the A9 in Straß, in the Leibnitz district, on Sunday, ORF reported. Inspectors also issued more than 70 citations for technical defects.

The operation aimed to check the roadworthiness and operational safety of cars and small vans and to remove vehicles with dangerous defects. Specialised traffic police from the Styrian State Traffic Department carried out the checks with technicians from the state vehicle inspection centre.

Traffic was routed through the Gersdorf traffic inspection area, causing minor delays at times. Ten vehicles had defects serious enough for police to remove their number plates and prohibit them from continuing. The problems included rusted-through bodies, oil leaks, tampered particulate filters and faulty brake lines.

Police issued more than 70 citations for technical violations and more than 10 on-the-spot fines. They also collected around 3,000 euros in security deposits to cover potential administrative penalties.

More than 30 preliminary alcohol tests found no indication that any of the drivers had been drinking.