What’s the law on safe loading?

Driver should know the weight of their van, and the load limit – it’s your responsibility

ACCORDING to VOSA, vans are by far the worst offenders when it comes to overloading.

The law on safe loading is enforced by random roadside checks and these show that 20% of vans are overweight. That compares with 7.5% of HGVs and 5.5% of PSVs.

Overloading your van can severely compromise its dynamic behaviour. This includes braking, steering and handling – all of which could cause danger to you and other road users in the event of an emergency.

So the law on safe loading is strict, and infringements can mean a fine of up to £5,000. Remember that regardless of who loaded the vehicle in the first place the driver is responsible for its cargo. As a business van operator you will also have a duty of care to ensure that your drivers are not placed at risk.

Loose loads such as sand or stones can be blown off vehicles, and therefore must be secured. It is also important to secure loads inside your van to stop them moving in transit. Insecure loads can affect vehicle handling, while shifted goods risk falling onto people when load doors are opened.

Use racking, shelving, hooks and ties to prevent unsafe loads and injury.

Don’t exceed the permitted weight of your vehicle. If you are unsure what the permitted weight is, ideally visit a weighbridge, but otherwise looking at the ‘vehicle plate’ or the handbook. The position of the plate will be shown in the handbook, and with details of exactly how much the vehicle can carry.

Remember that poor load distribution could overload a single axle without exceeding the maximum overall permissible weight.