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 2313
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. This is to protect the area and amenity along this narrow road.
On the 8th August 2022, a PPP Road Traffic Enforcement Officer observed a Volvo heavy goods vehicle (HGV) travel through the weight restriction. The vehicle had a maximum gross weight of 18 tonnes.
At Reading Magistrates’ Court, on the 14th April 2023, the driver pleaded guilty and was fined £120 and ordered to pay £180 contribution towards the prosecution costs plus a Victim’s Surcharge of £48.
Case 2318
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 nearby in Hambridge Road and Bone Lane.
On 19th August 2022, a PPP Road Traffic Enforcement Officer observed a MAN HGV travel through the weight restriction on Mill Lane. The vehicle had a maximum gross weight of 18 tonnes.
At Reading Magistrates’ Court, on the 14th April 2023, the HGV’s operator pleaded guilty and was fined £500, ordered to pay £180 contribution towards the prosecution costs and to pay a Victim’s Surcharge of £200.
Case 2324
Several roads in and around Thatcham, Berkshire, are subject to a 7.5 tonne weight restriction. The weight restriction zone edges Aldermaston, Brimpton, Greenham, Wasing, Midgham, Woolhampton and Thatcham. Crookham Hill Road is a protected road within this zone which starts from the junction of Thornford Road and the A339, Greenham, and runs up to a point on Station Road, Thatcham, south of its junction with Piper’s Way.
On the 24th August 2022, a PPP Road Traffic Enforcement Officer observed a Volvo HGV travelling in the weight restricted zone along Crookham Hill. The vehicle had a maximum gross weight of 15 tonnes.
At Reading Magistrates’ Court, on the 14th April 2023, the vehicle’s keeper pleaded guilty and was fined £500, ordered to pay £180 contribution towards the prosecution costs and a Victim’s Surcharge of £200.
Case 2337
Again on Mill Lane, Newbury, on the 22nd September 2022, the PPP Road Traffic Enforcement Officer observed a Volvo HGV travel through the weight restriction. The vehicle had a maximum gross weight of 18 tonnes.
At Reading Magistrates’ Court, on the 14th April 2023, the driver pleaded guilty and was fined £200, ordered to pay £180 contribution towards the prosecution costs and a Victim’s Surcharge of £80.
Case 2338
Also on the 22nd September 2022, a PPP Road Traffic Enforcement Officer observed a DAF Truck travel into the weight restriction zone on Crookham Hill Road, Thatcham. The vehicle had a maximum gross weight of 14 tonnes.
At Reading Magistrates’ Court, on the 14th April 2023, the driver pleaded guilty and was fined £100 and ordered him to pay £100 contribution towards the prosecution costs and £40 Victim’s Surcharge.
