Surprise Sting Operation Targets Boston School Vans
BOSTON (CBS) -- Inspectors were out doing surprise checks on vehicles Tuesday, as part of a sting operation at several sites in Boston.
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation calls it "Operation Guardian Angel."
WBZ-TV's I-Team first reported the story which exposed many of the school vans don't meet safety codes.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Carl Stevens reports
Surprise Sting Operation Targets Boston School Vans
The inspections took place at four locations around Boston.
Officers checked everything out, including the van horns and lights.
Police found 8 drivers without a 7D license, which says the driver is not qualified to be driving the vehicle.
One driver didn't have a license, at all, according to Mass DOT.
Other violations included 37 equipment violations, three expired inspection stickers, 24 failures to perform a pre-trip inspection and one overloaded van.
Registrar of Motor Vehicles Rachel Kaprielian says the drivers who were cited will be taken off their routes until the incident is investigated and fixed.
"There is no violation too small," Kaprielian said. "The bigger the violation, the bigger the fine and the bigger the consequence."
Whether you're driving a school bus or a carpool minivan, she wants drivers to know they are out there.
"You will get caught, there will be consequences. It could be a matter of your license or your business," she said.
Tuesday's sting was the 12th time inspectors have been out looking for violations.
