Routine Inspections in Graz Uncover Significant Safety Issues in Long-Distance Buses

The Graz police have intensified efforts to ensure the safety of long-distance bus travel by conducting thorough technical inspections of buses entering the city. These operations, which coincide with the busy Advent weekends, are designed to identify mechanical defects and non-compliance with safety regulations among commercial passenger vehicles.

During recent checks at designated entry points to Graz, law enforcement officials implemented a two-stage inspection process. Initially, buses underwent a preliminary assessment on a ramp, where vehicles exhibiting possible safety concerns were earmarked for further scrutiny. Those with apparent issues were then redirected to a specialized testing facility, where comprehensive technical evaluations were conducted.

The results from the first Advent weekend revealed alarming findings. Ten buses exhibiting severe safety deficiencies were immediately prohibited from continuing their journeys due to imminent risk to passengers and other road users. Additionally, authorities identified a total of 70 major defects in other buses during this period. These infractions included critical issues related to braking systems, lighting malfunctions, tire wear, and other essential safety mechanisms.

As a consequence of these violations, the police issued a series of administrative penalties, resulting in fines totalling approximately 18,000 euros. These sanctions were enforced to underscore the importance of maintaining high safety standards in public transportation and to deter negligence among bus operators.

The police have indicated that similar inspection campaigns will continue throughout the Advent season and beyond. This ongoing initiative forms part of a broader strategy, which also encompasses heightened checks for alcohol consumption and targeted traffic enforcement, especially during the festive period when travel activity surges.

The current round of inspections marks the third consecutive year that Graz authorities have prioritized the systematic examination of long-distance buses. Police representatives have emphasized the positive impact of these operations, noting a consistent improvement in compliance rates and a reduction in the number of serious violations detected over time. Nevertheless, the discovery of numerous defects during the latest inspections highlights the necessity of sustained vigilance.

While the findings for the second Advent weekend are still being compiled, officials reaffirm their commitment to maintaining rigorous standards. The police encourage all bus operators to adhere strictly to safety protocols and to conduct regular vehicle maintenance checks, particularly during periods of increased demand.

These enforcement actions are part of a wider effort to safeguard public transport users and ensure that all vehicles operating on Austria's roads meet the required legal and technical standards. The ongoing controls are expected to serve as both a deterrent and a reminder to transportation companies of their responsibility to provide safe and reliable services to the public.