Police warning after feathered friend found in overloaded van
The parrot was discovered by police in the vehicle.
A parrot took an unsafe road trip as police have issued a warning about making sure all items are loaded correctly in Essex.
Police made the discovery on the A12 on Saturday 16 May.
The vehicle was stopped after officers spotted it travelling with a clearly unsafe load.
The live parrot was in a cage, wedged between parcels in the back.
The driver was issued with £800 worth of on-the-spot fines.
Inspector James Freeman, Roads Policing Unit, said: “This van was groaning under the weight of its load.
“While the bird might raise a smile, there’s nothing funny about a vehicle in this condition. It was dangerously overloaded, the load wasn’t secured, and it posed a very real risk to everyone else on the road.
“If that load had shifted or come loose at speed, the consequences could have been catastrophic. This is exactly the kind of thing we’re out looking for, and we won’t hesitate to act when we find it.
“Our message is simple: if you’re loading a vehicle, do it properly. Secure it, check your weight limits, and don’t take shortcuts. It’s not just about avoiding a fine, it’s about keeping people, and parrots, safe.”