Drivers fined for breach of weight restrictions - Offences under section 5 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984
The Public Protection Partnership (PPP) enforces weight restriction orders made under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.
It is an offence to drive a vehicle through a restricted area where the vehicle exceeds the weight limit imposed (unless delivering or collecting items within the weight restriction). Routine inspections are undertaken on weight restrictions across Bracknell, West Berkshire and Wokingham areas to ensure vehicles are not breaking the law.
PPP officers also undertake routine patrols with Thames Valley Police to check for overweight vehicles on the roads.
Case 1
Mill Lane in Newbury is subject to a 7.5 tonne weight restriction to protect local residents on Mill Lane from the industrial area around Hambridge Road and Bone Lane.
On 7th August 2020, a Trading Standards Traffic Enforcement Officer observed a DAF Truck travelled through the weight restriction on Mill Lane. The vehicle had a maximum gross weight of 12 tons.
At a hearing on the 9th April 2021, the driver pleaded guilty by post and the Court fined him £125 and ordered him to pay £175 contribution towards costs and £34 Victim’s Surcharge.
Case 2
Some of the roads in and around Streatley, Berkshire, are subject to an 18 tonne weight restriction to protect the road and local residents.
On the 28th July 2020, a Trading Standards Traffic Enforcement Officer observed a Volvo heavy goods vehicle (HGV), travel through the weight restriction on the A329 Wallingford Road, Streatley. The vehicle had a maximum gross weight of 32 tons
At a hearing on the 9th April 2021, the driver pleaded guilty by post and the Court fined him £125 and ordered him to pay £175 contribution towards costs and £34 Victim’s Surcharge.
Case 3
Separately on Mill Lane, Newbury, on 28th July 2020, a Trading Standards Traffic Enforcement Officer observed a Mercedes HGV travel through the weight restriction. The vehicle had a maximum gross weight of 32 tons.
At a hearing on the 9th April 2021, the driver pleaded guilty by post and the Court fined him £220 and ordered him to pay £175 contribution towards costs and £34 Victim’s Surcharge.
Case 4
Several roads within villages north of the A4 between Newbury and Thatcham are subject to a 7.5 tonne weight restrictions to protect the villages from A4 and M4 traffic. One road in particular known as Cold Ash Hill is protected.
On 31st July 2020, a Trading Standards Traffic Enforcement Officer observed a MAN Truck travel through the weight restriction on Cold Ash Hill. The vehicle had a maximum gross weight of 18 tons.
At a hearing on the 9th April 2021, the driver was found guilty and the Court fined him £220 and ordered him to pay £175 contribution towards costs and £34 Victim’s Surcharge.
For more information on weight restriction enforcement work that the PPP undertake see link below:
https://publicprotectionpartnership.org.uk/about-us/campaigns/road-traffic/
