Local News · Wiltshire-wide
Three vehicles seized on M4 in Wiltshire after illegal abnormal load stopped
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
Police have seized three vehicles following a roadside operation on the M4 involving an unauthorised abnormal load and an underage driver.
Wiltshire Police have seized three vehicles after stopping an unauthorised abnormal load travelling along the M4. The enforcement action, which took place on Friday, October 23, resulted in all three drivers being reported for prosecution following a series of serious road traffic offences.
During the operation, officers from the Roads Policing Unit inspected the vehicles and uncovered a catalogue of compliance failures. They found that the driver of the first heavy goods vehicle (HGV) was disqualified from driving, did not have a valid tachograph card, and was not displaying an operator's licence. The second HGV involved in the load was also found to be operating without an operator's licence and lacked the necessary vehicle tax.
Perhaps most concerning was the discovery that the escort vehicle, intended to manage the safe passage of the oversized load, was being driven by a 16-year-old who held no driving licence.
PC Miller of the Roads Policing Unit stated that such unlawful movements will not be tolerated within the county. He emphasised that the force is actively monitoring for loads moved without the proper authority or conducted in an unsafe manner.
Following the seizure of the vehicles, the transport company involved has been referred to the traffic commissioner for further investigation into their operating practices. PC Miller added that failing to adhere to road safety regulations poses significant risks to other road users and legitimate transport companies.
Source: Gazette & Herald · View original