Yellowknife (Sep 08/06) - Brake safety week for trucks has come to a stop in the Northwest Territories.

Nine rigs failed government inspections, while 27 received a perfect grade, according to Harry Beaulieu, a manager with territorial transport department.

Eight of the nine vehicles that failed the test had brake problems.

Six were able to make simple brake adjustments, Beaulieu said.

But even after performing the brake adjustments the trucks left without a 'decal' - a sticker that certifies a perfect grade.

The inspections were done in Yellowknife, Enterprise, Hay River and Invuik," he said.

Inspections are typically done in the summer. "We do a lot because the weather is much more favourable."

The number of failures wasn't a surprise to Beaulieu.

"The numbers are pretty average. Our out of service rate in the NWT runs 23 to 25 per cent."

Inspectors hold one announced check and also perform surprise inspections of trucks.

"Eighty-eight per cent of out of services (in the Northwest Territories) are brake-related. That's why the emphasis is on brakes."