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’s maximum gross weight exceeds the weight limit imposed (unless an exemption applies). 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 A
The Skew Bridge is a narrow bridge over a railway for road users on the A329 near Basildon. It is subject to a 7.5 tonnes weight restriction and has a one way system with traffic lights as it is not wide enough for two way traffic.
On 9th April 2021, a PPP Enforcement Officer observed a MAN heavy goods vehicle (HGV) travel over Skew Bridge. The vehicle had a maximum gross weight of 15 tonnes.
At a hearing on the 3rd December 2021, the driver was found guilty and the Court fined him £220 and ordered him to pay £180 contribution towards prosecution costs and £34 Victim’s Surcharge.
Case B
Several roads within villages south of the A4 and between Newbury and Reading are subject to a 7.5 tonnes weight restriction. Some of the roads within this zone are Wasing Lane, Wasing Road, Brimpton Road and Crookham Common Road, between Aldermaston/A340 and Brimpton.
On the 25th May 2021, a PPP Enforcement Officer observed a DAF HGV travel through one of the weight restriction zones. The vehicle had a maximum gross weight of 18 tonnes.
At a hearing on the 3rd December 2021, the driver pleaded guilty and the Court fined him £146 and ordered him to pay £90 contribution towards costs and £34 Victim’s Surcharge.
Case C
Again, on the 3rd June 2021, a PPP Enforcement Officer observed an IVECO HGV travel over Skew Bridge. The vehicle had a maximum gross weight of 18 tonnes.
At a hearing on the 3rd December 2021, the driver pleaded guilty and the Court fined him £266 and ordered him to pay £180 contribution towards costs and £34 Victim’s Surcharge.
