Fines of up to £300 for van drivers overloading vehicles

All vans have a Gross Vehicle Weight that drivers are responsible for complying with, and vans that exceed this weight limit are classed as overloaded

Van drivers are urged to check their Gross Vehicle Weight to avoid penalties of up to £300 for overloading their vehicles.

The motoring experts at LeaseLoco.com are urging van drivers to follow guidelines when loading their vehicles to ensure they are not exceeding weight restrictions.

All vans have a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) that drivers are responsible for complying with. Vans that exceed this weight limit are classed as overloaded.

In this instance, drivers and companies can be fined between £100 and £300 and face penalty points, depending on how much the vehicle is over the limit.

Driving with an overloaded vehicle can threaten other road users as it increases braking distance, reduces control, increases the risk of tyre blowouts and puts strain on the suspension and brakes. 

The experts advise drivers to double-check their Gross Vehicle Weight and take care when loading vans with goods and equipment, ensuring the load is spread evenly.

John Wilmot, CEO of LeaseLoco.com, said: “Driving with an overloaded van can be really dangerous. The heavy load makes it harder to control and can cause your van to sway when turning corners or on particularly windy days.”