Road safety checks

11 February 2011, 12:16 | Updated: 21 February 2011, 15:11

A total of 30 drivers were stopped as part of a road safety check in Milton Keynes on Monday (7/2).

Officers from the Milton Keynes Roads Policing base carried out the check with the Thames Valley Safer Roads Partnership between 8am and 2pm. The check focussed on overweight vehicles.

19 drivers were issued with Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN) for having their vehicle overloaded and overweight. These ranged from £60 to £200 depending on how much they were overweight.

One driver was reported for summon to court for using a vehicle in a dangerous condition, driving without insurance, and over weight offences after the vehicle was found to be 96 per cent overweight.

One driver was issued a FPN for using a vehicle without a valid MOT certificate and one vehicle was seized under Section 165 of the Road Traffic Act for driving without insurance.

One driver was issued a FPN for not wearing a seat belt whilst driving.

The other eight drivers stopped were found to have committed no offences.

PC Russell Irwin, from Milton Keynes Roads Policing base, said: “This check highlights the huge risks drivers take when using vehicles that do not conform to the designated vehicle weights. Not only does driving an overweight vehicle affect the handling and braking capability, it significantly increases the risk of the driver being involved in a traffic collision and also puts other road users at risk.

“Drivers are reminded that it is their responsibility to ensure the vehicle they are using is road worthy before commencing any journey.”