Two heavy motor vehicle law police enforcement operations in the Ohope area have resulted in two breaches of the heavy vehicle bylaw from a total of 421 vehicles stopped.

The officer in charge of Eastern Bay of Plenty road policing, Sergeant Ray Wylie, says police are pleased with the results of the operation as it clearly indicates the overwhelming majority of heavy vehicle drivers are complying with the bylaw.

The Whakatane District Council amended the bylaw in March 2011 to prohibit heavy motor vehicles from travelling in certain areas unless they need to do so for business or delivery purposes, or if an alternative route is not available.

The prohibition applies to all roads in areas designated as urban traffic areas within Whakatane and Ohope, apart from some exceptions.

A heavy vehicle bypass has been determined for vehicles to travel around the area.

Ray says even though the amendment only came into force in March, most drivers have quickly complied with the changes.

'This operation was a good benchmark for us in relation to this bylaw,” says Ray.

'We have received complaints from concerned members of the public who felt the bylaw was not being complied with, however, it is clear that for the most part, it is.”

He says the operation was conducted over two different days in the Pohutukawa Ave area, with the first on April 27 and the second on May 12.

There were 193 vehicles stopped in the first operation and 13 of those were heavy vehicles with two receiving notices for breach of the bylaw.

In the second phase, 228 vehicles were stopped, four being heavy vehicles, with none being found in breach of the bylaw.

Three vehicles were stopped for excess speed in the second operation, with all three drivers identified as local residents.

'Enforcing the heavy vehicle bylaw will continue to be a focus for Eastern Bay of Plenty police as we also continue to focus on other road policing activities, such as drink driving and speed.

'Ensuring the safety of the public on Eastern Bay of Plenty roads is a key priority for us, and there will continue to be a high level of Police visibility on our streets, highways and country roads in an effort to achieve that.

'We also encourage members of the public to contact police immediately on 111 or *555 to let us know about incidents of bad driving so that we can try and intervene sooner rather than later.”