Vehicle spotchecks focus on overloading

VOSA and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are carrying out hundreds of random spotchecks in the north-west of England on trucks and vans suspected to be overloaded or have unsafe loads.

The checks - due to take place over the coming weeks on eight separate days - are part of an HSE campaign that aims to reduce the number of deaths and injuries in the transport industry.

Drivers found to have unsafe loads face fines or risk having their vehicle ordered off the road.

During the campaign, hauliers and transport managers will be mailed with guidance and tips on loading and unloading safely.

John Fitch, research and development manager at VOSA says unsafe loads on vehicles injure more than 1,200 people a year and cost UK businesses millions of pounds in damaged goods.

He adds: "We are keen to participate in HSE's new campaign to highlight the issues of insecure loads, provide education and information for the haulage industry and reduce congestion caused by load loss."

For more information, visit http://www.hse.gov.uk/loadsafety