LORRIES carrying unsafe loads on Warwickshire’s motorways were the focus of a month long crackdown.
In total 121 vehicles were pulled over during three joint operations with Highways England, HMRC, Datatag, NaVCIS and DVSA targeting unsafe and insecure loads on the M40, M6, M42 and A5.
During the operations, officers from the Commercial Vehicle Unit (CMU) looked out for overweight vehicles, bulging curtain side and insecure loads.
The vehicles were escorted to a check site so officers and staff could examine their load and check tax, insurance, tyres, tachograph and the general condition of the vehicle.
A total of 35 vehicles on the M40 were escorted to services near Warwick where 15 vehicles received Traffic Offence Reports – nine for vehicles overweight and two vehicles were seized for no insurance.
One vehicle was found to be using red diesel illegally. A fine of more than £500 was issued by HMRC and the transport company which owned the vehicle was also visited as part of the investigation.
Sgt Shaun Bridle of the CMU said” “The operation is not just about enforcement. Throughout the month advice was given to many drivers around what they need to do to ensure loads are safely secured.
“There is a risk to the public every day due to drivers not securing their loads properly. Loads can shift causing injury to drivers, or fall into the road causing injury to other road users and pedestrians. Our aim is to reduce the number of people who are killed or seriously injured on Warwickshire’s roads and we will continue to target vehicles for these offences.
“We are asking all drivers carrying heavy loads to ensure they are secured before setting off and to check they remain secure during the journey at regular intervals. Road safety is all of our responsibilities.”
Highways England assistant regional safety co-ordinator Marie Biddulph added simple safety checks on loads could prevent ‘devastating’ accidents and save lives.
She added: “Before setting off, drivers need to be confident that their vehicle is appropriate for the load being carried, it is not overloaded and has been loaded properly, using the appropriate securing system.
“Unsafe vehicles are a threat to all road users.
Click here for advice on securing loads
