Drivers have been caught out on four different roads across Reading and West Berkshire when observed overloading their vehicle through restricted areas.

The Public Protection Partnership and Police conduct joint road traffic enforcement patrols across Berkshire from time to time.

Drivers that were fined include those operating vans, HGV lorries and two-axle vehicles when driven through restricted areas and nature spots.

Fines of up to £220 were issued in Reading Magistrates Court.

These are the four roads where restrictions have been put in place for overloaded vehicles including weight restrictions.

Kirtons Farm Road, Burghfield

Part of this road is subject to a 7.5 tonne weight restriction, between its junctions with Berrys Lane and Cottage Lane, a distance of approximately 370 metres. 

This is to protect local residents, the narrow road and amenity of the area from industrial areas nearer Reading (around the football stadium and M4).

On 23rd August 2022, a PPP Enforcement Officer observed a Scania heavy goods vehicle (HGV) travel in an easterly direction in the weight restriction on Kirtons Farm Road.  The vehicle had a maximum gross weight of 24 tonnes.

At Reading Magistrates’ Court, on the 26th May 2023, the driver was found guilty and was fined £220 and ordered to pay £180 contribution towards the prosecution costs plus a Victim Surcharge of £88. 

Mill Lane in Newbury, Berkshire

Subject to a 7.5 tonne weight restriction.  This is to protect local residents on Mill Lane from traffic accessing the industrial area nearby in Hambridge Road and Bone Lane.

On the 29th of September 2022, a PPP Enforcement Officer observed a HGV travelling in an easterly direction along Mill Lane.  The vehicle had a maximum gross weight of 18 tonnes.

At Reading Magistrates’ Court, on the 26th May 2023, the driver pleaded guilty and was fined £40 and ordered to pay £180 contribution towards the prosecution costs plus a Victim Surcharge of £16.

Sonning Bridge

on the 15th of October 2022, a member of the public observed an HGV cross the bridge.  Enquiries were made and the vehicle was found to have a maximum gross weight of 32 tonnes. The maximum permitted gross weight is 7.5 tonnes.

At Reading Magistrates’ Court, on the 26th May 2023, the operator pleaded guilty and was fined £333 and ordered to pay £180 contribution towards the prosecution costs plus a Victim Surcharge of £133.

Sonning Bridge

On the 15th of September 2022, a PPP Enforcement Officer observed a HGV cross the bridge.  The vehicle had a maximum gross weight of 18 tonnes.  The maximum permitted gross weight is 7.5 tonnes

At Reading Magistrates’ Court, on the 26th May 2023, the driver was found guilty and was fined £220 and ordered to pay £180 contribution towards the prosecution costs plus a Victims Surcharge of £88.

Skew Bridge, Basildon, Reading

Protected by a 7.5 tonne weight restriction.  On the 14th of September 2022, a PPP Traffic Enforcement Officer observed a twin axle vehicle travel through a weight restriction.  The vehicle had a maximum gross weight of 12 tonnes.

At Reading Magistrates’ Court, on the 26th May 2023, the driver pleaded guilty and was fined £145 and ordered to pay £90 contribution towards the prosecution costs and a Victims Surcharge of £58.