Inspection after boot Düsseldorf: Police stop boat transports due to defects

The high rate surprised even the police: "The fact that there are isolated offences happens from time to time. However, such a high rate is unusual," said a Düsseldorf police spokesperson when asked by YACHT. The checks are carried out almost every year, but this year's results are unusual.

Boat transports with serious defects

On several days after the trade fair, the police checked lorries leaving the exhibition grounds in the direction of the A44 motorway. Of the 59 vehicles checked, only seven were allowed to continue straight away - this corresponds to a complaint rate of 88 per cent. The rate for boat transports was 100 per cent. The transports included both smaller boats and large luxury yachts.

According to the Düsseldorf police, the deficiencies found were alarming: heavy goods transports were not properly signposted and overwidths were not clearly marked. Many boats were inadequately secured and some transports were travelling without any authorisation at all. Particularly problematic: according to the police, many drivers had no knowledge of large or heavy goods transport. In two cases, the officers even discovered that the drivers were travelling without a valid driving licence.

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Responsibility for boat transport lies with haulage companies

Exhibitors are responsible for organising the transport of boats. They commission the haulage contractors who take care of the transport to and from the event. They are responsible for securing the load. Once the defects had been rectified, most of the lorries were able to continue their journey.