THOUSANDS of pounds in fines has been dished out to drivers who have breached weight restrictions in West Berkshire.

Roads have weight restrictions to prevent damage to roads and to prevent the risk to drivers.

This month, Public Protection Partnership (PPP) officers found 10 traffic weight restriction breaches across West Berkshire.

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These roads are:

  • A329 Skew Bridge, Lower Basildon
  • Cold Ash Hill
  • Ermin Street, Stockcross
  • Streatley

The PPP, who enforce weight restriction orders under the Road Traffic Regulation Act, issued five fines for different breaches at Skew Bridge totalling £2,309.

Three drivers were issued fines in Streatley totalling £1,870, one fine in Cold Ash Hill of £440 and one driver was slapped with a £507 fine in Ermin Street.

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The PPP said: "Overweight vehicles not only cause damage to roads (requiring tax payers money to fix) but also having an over weight vehicle affects a driver's efficiency to break and steer, therefore putting themselves and other road users at risk."

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).

Routine inspections are undertaken on weight restrictions across Bracknell, West Berkshire and Wokingham areas to ensure vehicles are not breaking the law.

PPP officers also undertake routine patrols with Thames Valley Police to check for overweight vehicles on the roads.

During the checks, potentially overloaded goods vehicles are identified, stopped and directed to a weighbridge.

The driver of the vehicle as well as the business are liable for these offences.

If your vehicle is seen breaching a weight restriction or it is found to be overloaded you may be prosecuted.