A heavily overloaded van was stopped by officers on the M6 at Doxey after it raised suspicions due to its appearance on the road.
Upon further inspection and a trip to the weighbridge, it was revealed that the 3,500kg vehicle was carrying far beyond its legal weight limit. The van’s total weight came in at 5,990kg, making it 2,490kg overweight – an alarming 71.1% over the permitted limit.
Even more concerning, the second axle alone was found to be overloaded by 72.6%, significantly impacting the vehicle’s stability and overall road safety.
A Serious Risk to Road Users
Driving an overweight vehicle poses serious risks to both the driver and other road users. Excessive weight can drastically affect a vehicle’s handling, making it harder to steer, corner, and maintain control – especially in emergency situations.
The stopping distance of the van is also significantly increased, meaning that the driver may not be able to react in time to avoid collisions.
Furthermore, an overloaded vehicle places extreme strain on brakes, suspension, and tyres, increasing the likelihood of mechanical failure and potential road incidents.
The Importance of Road Safety Compliance
Strict weight regulations exist for a reason – to protect all road users. When vehicles exceed their legal weight limits, they place additional stress on the road network, increasing wear and tear on infrastructure.
More importantly, they become a hazard, particularly on high-speed routes such as motorways, where quick manoeuvres and reliable braking are essential for safety. Enforcement agencies regularly monitor and take action against offenders to ensure compliance and prevent dangerous situations.
In this case, officers at the scene reminded the driver of the dangers associated with such violations and took appropriate action to address the breach.
Final Words
This incident serves as a stark reminder of why vehicle weight limits must be respected.
Overloaded vehicles are not just a minor offence – they are a major safety concern that can lead to accidents, mechanical failures, and even legal consequences. Road safety is a shared responsibility, and adherence to road safety regulations is essential to keeping both drivers and the wider public safe.
Remember that authorities will continue to monitor and enforce the rules to prevent similar incidents from occurring on the roads.
News Credits: X :@StaffsRCT
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