M40 Beaconsfield slow van driver issued traffic offence

Thames Valley Police Roads Policing officers spotted the vehicle driving slowly in lane one on the M40 near Beaconsfield earlier this week. The force said: "It didn't take a rocket scientist to see what the problem was. "Worryingly, the driver appeared to be blissfully unaware.

"The clearly overweight vehicle was taken to the nearest weighbridge with unsurprising results. "Overweight vans pose significant risks to road safety and can lead to severe penalties." The van was found to be 62 per cent above its gross weight.

The driver was issued an offence report and was required to unload the van to a safe weight before continuing his journey. Police shared the following advice on how to avoid driving an overweight vehicle: Know Your Weight: Always check the vehicle's gross vehicle weight (GVW) and maximum weight limits.

These are usually displayed on a plate or sticker on the vehicle.

• Avoid Overloading: Exceeding the GVW can lead to increased stopping distances, faster tyre wear, and impaired steering.

  It's illegal and can result in fines and court summons.

• Legal Responsibilities: Both the driver and employer have a duty of care to ensure the vehicle is not overloaded.

  Penalties can include fines for each overloaded axle and total weight.

• Vehicle Maintenance: Regular inspections and maintenance are crucial to ensure the vehicle is safe and compliant with weight regulations.
• Avoiding Fines: To avoid fines, ensure the vehicle is not overloaded, and follow the guidelines for loading and towing.

References

1. ^ 'Delays likely' amid High Wycombe Thames Water leak road closure (www.bucksfreepress.co.uk)