Greater Manchester Police’s Commercial Vehicle Unit recently intercepted a vehicle after its conspicuous load caught officers’ attention.
A closer inspection and subsequent checks revealed a catalogue of serious offences. Most starkly, the vehicle was found to be overweight by 65.1% on its gross weight, tipping the scales at 5,780kg.
Compounding the risk, the load – comprised of poles – was insecure and not properly fastened. Officers also discovered that several vehicle lights were inoperative and, critically, the driver was not insured.
The consequences were immediate and comprehensive. The vehicle was prohibited from further movement and seized at the roadside, while the driver received what officers described as the “full house” of punishments. Formal prosecution has followed for the array of offences, reflecting the gravity of the risks posed to other road users and to the driver themself.
Driving an overweight vehicle is far from a technicality – it fundamentally undermines safety. Excess mass lengthens stopping distances, increases the likelihood of brake fade, and places extreme stress on tyres, suspension and axles.
What’s more, handling becomes unpredictable, especially in emergency manoeuvres or adverse weather, greatly raising the risk of loss of control and serious collisions.
Operating with an insecure load introduces another layer of danger. Unrestrained or poorly restrained items can shift under braking, cornering or acceleration, destabilising the vehicle in an instant.
Worse still, a load that detaches at speed can strike following traffic with devastating consequences. Proper load security is a legal requirement for good reason: it protects everyone on the road.
This case also underscores the importance of strict adherence to road safety regulations and routine vehicle maintenance. Functional lighting is essential for visibility and communication between drivers, particularly at night or in poor weather.
Furthermore, insurance is not optional – it is a fundamental legal and financial safeguard for victims and drivers alike. Regular checks, planned maintenance, and compliance with weight limits and load-security standards are the baseline responsibilities of every operator and driver.
Conclusion
In the end, swift action by GMP prevented a potentially serious incident.
The message is clear: respect weight limits, secure every load, maintain your vehicle, and carry valid insurance. Cutting corners on any of these fronts is not only unlawful – it endangers lives.
News Credits: X :@gmptraffic
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