Several HGV drivers across West Berkshire have been fined after they were caught driving an overweight vehicle through a restricted area.

In order to protect both local residents and the amenity of narrow country roads regular patrols are undertaken.

The Public Protection Partnership (PPP) enforces weight restriction orders made under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

It is an offence to drive a vehicle through a restricted area where the vehicle exceeds the weight limit imposed (unless delivering or collecting items within the weight restriction).  

Langley Hill

On 4th May 2023 a PPP Road Traffic Enforcement Officer observed a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) travel through a weight restriction on Langley Hill in Tilehurst.  Langley Hill is subject to a 7.5 tonne weight restriction and the HGV’s maximum revenue weight or Maximum Gross Weight was 18 tonnes.

At Reading Magistrates’ Court, on the 5th January 2024, the HGV’s operator pleaded guilty and was fined £666, ordered to pay £180 contribution towards the prosecution costs and to pay a Victim Surcharge of £266. 

Mill Lane Newbury

Mill Lane in Newbury, Berkshire, is subject to a 7.5 tonne weight restriction. This is to protect local residents on Mill Lane from the industrial area nearby in Hambridge Road and Bone Lane.

On 5th April 2023, a PPP Road Traffic Enforcement Officer observed an HGV travel through the weight restriction on Mill Lane.  The vehicle had a maximum gross weight of 18 tonnes.

At Reading Magistrates’ Court, on the 5th January 2024, the HGV’s driver pleaded guilty and was fined £116, ordered to pay £180 contribution towards the prosecution costs and to pay a Victim Surcharge of £46. 

Wantage Road

The A417 Wantage Road is subject to an 18 tonnes weight restriction either side of Streatley Farm near the village of Streatley. The purpose of the Order is to preserve or improve amenities of the area by restriction the road’s use by HGVs.

On 19th April 2023, a PPP Road Traffic Enforcement Officer observed a HGV travel through the weight restriction.  The vehicle had a maximum gross weight of 32 tonnes.

At Reading Magistrates’ Court, on the 5th January 2024, the HGV’s driver pleaded guilty and was fined £164, ordered to pay £180 contribution towards the prosecution costs and to pay a Victim Surcharge of £66. 

Sonning Bridge

The bridge over the River Thames on the B478 in Sonning is subject to a 7.5 tonne weight restriction because structure surveys show it is a weak bridge.

On 6th April 2023 a member of the public observed a HGV travel through the weight restriction on the bridge.  This vehicle’s maximum revenue weight or Maximum Gross Weight was 26 tonnes,

At Reading Magistrates’ Court, on the 5th January 2024, the HGV’s driver pleaded guilty and was fined £239, ordered to pay £180 contribution towards the prosecution costs and to pay a Victim’s Surcharge of £96.