Drivers fined for breach of weight restrictions in West Berkshire
The Public Protection Partnership (PPP) undertake routine patrols with Thames Valley Police to check for overweight vehicles on the roads.
PPP also 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.
Case 2099
On 28th May 2021, Police and a PPP Officer were engaged in road traffic enforcement activities in the Membury area of Berkshire.
At 12:38 p.m. they observed a Peugeot Boxer van travelling on the M4. The vehicle appeared to them to be low on its rear springs. The vehicle was directed to a weighbridge and found to be overweight by 880kg (25.14%).
At a hearing on 21st January 2022 at Reading Magistrates Court, the driver pleaded guilty and the Court fined him £370 and ordered him to pay £180 contribution towards costs and £37 Victim’s Surcharge.
Case 2100
At 1.38 p.m. on the same day, 28th May 2021, they observed a Ford Transit van, travelling on the M4 that appeared to them to be low on its rear springs. The vehicle was directed to a weighbridge and found to be overweight by 460kg (13.14%).
At a hearing on 21st January 2022 at Reading Magistrates Court, the driver pleaded guilty and the Court fined him £143 and ordered him to pay £100 contribution towards costs and £37 Victim’s Surcharge. The vehicle’s operator also pleaded guilty and was fined £390 and ordered him to pay £180 contribution towards costs and £39 Victim’s Surcharge.
Case 2112
Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV) with a maximum gross weight over 7.5 tonnes are prohibited from proceeding along Langley Hill, Tilehurst, Berkshire.
On the 17th June 2021 a PPP Officer observed a DAF Truck HGV travel through the weight restriction. The vehicle had a maximum gross weight of 18 tonnes.
At a hearing on the 21st January 2022, the driver pleaded guilty and the Court fined him £110 and ordered him to pay £100 contribution towards costs and £34 Victim’s Surcharge.
