Police Crack Down On Private Trash Trucks After Brooklyn Crash

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK -- Police will crack down on "dangerous" private garbage trucks months after one lost a wheel and fatally crushed an NYPD employee on the Gowanus Expressway.

NYPD officers launched the crackdown Sunday night after spot inspections in Brooklyn and Manhattan found every privately-owned trash truck stopped by police had multiple violations for faulty breaks, leaking fuel lines or no lights, police said.

“Trash trucks seemingly roll around with impunity," said Police Commissioner James P. O’Neill, who noted police observed drivers running red lights, careening into bike lanes, and traveling the wrong way on one-way streets.

“Drivers can now expect to see the NYPD out in full force, ensuring that these companies and their truck operators adhere to the letter of the law.”

The investigation followed the death of Robert Martinez, 64, who killed on the Gowanus Expressway in Bay Ridge on Aug. 1 when a 2009 Mack garbage truck's unhinged tire suddenly blew off and slammed into his car windshield.

The truck belonged to Century Waste, a New Jersey company with a history of loose wheels and dangerous crashes and a long list of violations on its record.

NYPD officers and the Business Integrity Commission will team up to deploy at least one vehicle to monitor the trash trucks in every precinct this week, police said.

NYPD highway units, the Strategic Response Group, and the specialized Motor Carrier Unit will also conduct inspections of private trash trucks and issue summonses for traffic and equipment violations, officials said.

"Private trash hauling trucks drive recklessly, with tragic consequences,” said Department of Transportation commissioner Polly Trottenberg.

“We welcome this week’s sweep by NYPD, our Vision Zero partners, to crack down on dangerous behavior that puts lives at risk."

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