Van more than 40% over weight limit stopped in Chelmsford after officers spot it struggling
Police say the vehicle was prohibited from moving until it was unloaded
A van found to be more than 40% over its permitted weight has been stopped in Chelmsford after police officers spotted it towing a trailer and appearing to struggle.
Roads Policing Unit officers were on patrol on the evening of Friday 16th October when they saw a long wheelbase Transit panel van towing a trailer.
They stopped the vehicle on Colchester Road and used weight plates at the scene to check its load.
Police said the van was more than 40% over its permitted weight.
It was prohibited from moving until it had been unloaded to within permitted limits.
Officers spent around two hours dealing with the vehicle and making sure it could not continue in an unsafe condition.
Why overloading is dangerous
Police said overloaded vehicles pose a serious risk on the road.
They said excess weight can affect braking, handling and stability, put extra strain on tyres and suspension, and make a vehicle harder to control.
Police said drivers are responsible for making sure their vehicle is safe and legal before setting off.
They said this includes making sure it does not exceed its permitted weight and that anything being carried or towed is loaded safely and securely.
What police said
PC Andrew Vaughan said: 'This vehicle was obviously over its permitted weight limit and was not safe to continue its journey in that condition.'
He also said: 'Overloading can seriously affect a vehicle's braking, handling and stability, putting the driver and other road users at risk.'
He added: 'Drivers must know the weight limits of their vehicle and make sure both their vehicle and load are safe and legal before setting off.'
He went on: 'Where we identify vehicles being driven in a dangerous condition, we will take action to keep our roads safe.'