Van carrying granite cobbles along the A494 found to be nearly two tonnes over maximum weight

A van was found to be almost two tonnes overloaded when it was stopped by officers in Flintshire on Wednesday.

The van was being driven along the A494 when it was spotted by an eagle-eyed member of the Roads Policing Unit.

After being taken to be weighed it was found to be carrying granite cobbles and was 63% over on its gross weight. It also had a defective tyre.

The driver, was reported for using a vehicle in a dangerous condition, was issued a TOR (Traffic Offence Report) for the tyre and issued with a prohibition. He will now face a fine and points on his licence.

Over recent days officers from the Roads Policing Unit have issued several prohibitions on overloaded vehicles.

On Monday 19th February a works truck was stopped in Ewloe and was discovered to be 15% overloaded. The driver was prohibited and issued with a graduated fixed penalty notice for £300.

Another works truck was stopped in the same area a short time later and found to be 11% overloaded. It was also prohibited.

And later on the same day a truck carrying a VW Transporter was stopped and found to be 31% overloaded. A prohibition was issued and the driver was reported.

PC Phil Robinson of the Roads Policing Unit said:

“Overloaded vehicles present a real danger to road users. All vehicles are designed and constructed to meet certain levels of stress; to exceed these levels can result in the sudden failure of vital components such as brakes, tyres, suspension and can adversely affect steering.

“Ensuring a vehicle is not overloaded is the responsibility of both the operator and driver and I am urging all drivers to check before commencing on their journey. Road safety is a priority for North Wales Police and further checks will be carried out in the near future.”