Excess Weight and Dangerous Loads

With offences involving a vehicle’s construction and use, reference is usually made to its laden or gross weight, while offences relating to its speed and excise duty will usually be concerned with laden and unladen weight.  A vehicle on the road must be in such condition that no danger is caused, or likely to be caused, to road users.  Liability is usually absolute even if the dangerous condition is due to a latent defect. 

The penalties for excess weight and overloaded vehicles, especially commercial vehicles, are very considerable and it is always advisable to seek expert advice.