Drivers fined for breach of weight restrictions in West Berkshire
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 2126
The B4000 (Ermin Street) from its junction with the A4 at Speen, Newbury, to its junction with the A338 at Shefford Woodlands is subject to a 7.5 tonne weight restriction.
On the 1st July 2021 a PPP Officer observed an Iveco Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) travel through the weight restriction. The vehicle had a maximum gross weight of 14 tonnes.
The vehicle’s registered keeper and operator failed to respond to PPP enquiries so was found guilty in their absence and fined £220. An order to pay a contribution towards the prosecution costs of £180 and a Victim’s Surcharge of £34 was also made.
Cases 2104, 2122 and 2134
Mill Lane in Newbury, Berkshire, is subject to a 7.5 tonne weight restriction. This is to protect local residents on Mill Lane from the industrial area along Hambridge Road and Bone Lane.
On the 8th June 2021 a PPP Officer observed a MAN HGV travel through the weight restriction. The vehicle had a maximum gross weight of 18 tonnes.
On the 25th June 2021 a PPP Officer observed a DAF Truck HGV travel through the weight restriction. The vehicle had a maximum gross weight of 12 tonnes.
On the 13th July 2021 a PPP Officer observed another DAF Truck HGV travel through the weight restriction. The vehicle had a maximum gross weight of 14 tonnes.
At a hearing on the 25th February 2022, all three drivers were found guilty in absence and the Court fined them £220 and ordered him to pay £180 contribution towards costs and £34 Victim’s Surcharge.
Cases 2130 and 2124
A zone covering the Parishes of Aldermaston and Greenham, around Brimpton Wasing, Midgham and Woolhampton and some of the Town of Thatcham is protected from HGVs. The zone, situated south of the A4 and between Newbury and Reading, prohibits HGVs with a maximum gross weight over 7.5 tonnes.
On the 1st July 2021 a PPP Officer observed a Renault HGV on Brimpton Road and Crookham Common Road within the weight restriction zone. The vehicle had a maximum gross weight of 18 tonnes.
At a hearing on the 25th February 2022, the driver pleaded guilty and the Court fined him £230 and ordered him to pay £180 contribution towards costs and £34 Victim’s Surcharge.
On the 20th June 2021, a member of the public observed a HGV turn onto Thornford Road and travel along it onto Crookham Hill, both within the weight restriction zone.
At a hearing on the 25th February 2022, the driver was found guilty in absence and the Court fined him £220 and ordered him to pay £180 contribution towards costs and £34 Victim’s Surcharge.
