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 101909
The bridge over the river Thames on the B478 in Sonning is subject to a 7.5 tonne weight restriction because the structure has undergone surveys which show it to be a weak bridge.
On 20th February 2023 a member of the public observed a HGV travel through the weight restriction on the bridge. This vehicle’s maximum revenue weight or Maximum Gross Weight was 18 tonnes
At Reading Magistrates’ Court, on the 13th October 2023, the HGV’s driver was found guilty and was fined £198, ordered to pay £180 contribution towards the prosecution costs and to pay a Victim’s Surcharge of £79.
