Environmental weight limits

These weight limits prevent large vehicles from using inappropriate roads, routes and areas in order to:

  • prevent damage to buildings, roads and bridges;
  • preserve the character, amenity and environment of an area;
  • reduce and manage congestion on the roads; and
  • reduce danger to pedestrians and other road users.

Exemption

Lorries requiring access, (usually, delivering and / or collecting within the weight restricted route) are exempt from environmental weight restrictions. Other exemptions may also apply.

Offence

It is an offence under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. The driver of the vehicle and the owner/operator of the vehicle may be liable. The legislation is enforced by the Police and Trading Standards.

Penalty

The maximum penalty fine would be set by the Magistrates Court.

How to Comply

All haulage companies should ensure that their drivers using their vehicles know the plated weight and individual axle weights of the vehicles. A driver can find out the maximum permitted gross weight of their vehicle listed on ‘plates’, which must be fitted to all vehicles and certain trailers. These will either be a manufacturer’s plate or a VOSA, or since April 2014, a DVSA, plating certificate and are usually located either in the cabin or under the bonnet of the vehicle or on the chassis of trailers. The weights are given in metric units of kilograms. All haulage companies should ensure that their drivers know what weight restriction signs are, what they mean and that they adhere to them. All haulage companies should ensure that their drivers plan their routes to avoid weight restrictions, unless they require access. 

Please note: This information is not an authoritative interpretation of the law and is intended only for guidance. For further information, please contact your local trading standards service Contact Trading Standards | Nottinghamshire County Council

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