A driver has been prosecuted for driving a 24 tonne heavy commercial vehicle across an 18 tonne weight restricted bridge at Chipping Sodbury in South Gloucestershire.
The driver, Karen Davies of Lydney, Gloucestershire, pleaded guilty by post to North Avon Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 21st September 2010 and was fined £175 and ordered to pay costs of £548.14 plus a £15 victim surcharge.
Davies was seen driving her vehicle across Sodbury Church Bridge on Tuesday 30th March 2010 by an enforcement officer of South Gloucestershire Council’s Trading Standards, who was in the area at the time.
Cllr Heather Goddard, executive member for community services, said “Drivers of all vehicles should pay attention to weak bridge signs and HGV drivers should pay particular attention because weak bridges are more likely to affect them than the ordinary car driver.”
The council’s chief inspector of weights and measures, Andy Watson, said “Trading Standards and the police enforce vehicle weight restrictions. Drivers not obeying weight prohibitions are likely to find themselves in front of magistrates to explain their circumstances. Drivers of HGVs should plan alternative routes to avoid breaking the law.”
Source: South Gloucestershire Council
