Several HGV drivers fined for breaching weight restrictions in West Berkshire

Several HGV drivers have been fined for weight restriction offences on West Berkshire roads.

The Public Protection Partnership (PPP) said it has prosecuted them for driving through restricted areas where their vehicle exceeds the weight limit imposed.

A MAN HGV travelled through a weight restriction area in Mill Lane, Newbury, on February 15 this year.

The vehicle had a maximum gross weight of 18 tonnes.

Mill Lane is subject to a 7.5-tonne weight restriction.

This is to protect residents in Mill Lane from the industrial area nearby in Hambridge Lane and Bone lane.

The driver was observed driving through the restricted area by a PPP road traffic enforcement officer.

The driver pleaded guilty at Reading Magistrates Court on October 30 and was fined £115.

They were also ordered to pay a £180 contribution to the prosecution costs and a victim’s surcharge of £46.

Another driver was seen travelling through a weight restriction the next day.

The HGV vehicle travelled through Langley Hill, Tilehurst, on February 16.

Langley Hill is subject to a 7.5-tonne weight restriction and the HGV’s maximum gross weight was 32 tonnes.

The HGV’s operator pleaded guilty at Reading Magistrates’ Court on October 13 and was fined £666.

It was also ordered to pay a £180 contribution towards the prosecution costs and a victim’s surcharge of £266.

A PPP road traffic enforcement officer observed a travel through a weight restriction in Church Road, Aldermaston, on March 8.

The vehicle – with a maximum gross weight of 12 tonnes – drove through a 7.5-tonne weight restriction.

The driver pleaded guilty at Reading Magistrates Court on October 13 and was fined £146.

The driver was also ordered to pay a £180 contribution towards the prosecution costs and a victim’s surcharge of £58.

A Renault HGV was observed travelling through a weight restriction near Streatley on March 16.

The vehicle – of a maximum gross weight of 26 tonnes – drove on the A329 Wallingford Road.

The road, near Streatley Farm, is subject to an 18-tonne weight restriction.

The purpose of the order is to preserve or improve amenities of the area by restriction the road’s use by HGVs.

The driver pleaded guilty at Reading Magistrates Court on October 13 and was fined £187, ordered to pay a £180 contribution towards the prosecution costs and pay a victim’s surcharge of £75.

Routine inspections are undertaken on weight restrictions across West Berkshire, Wokingham and Bracknell districts 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.