Successful prosecutions for Bradford on Avon’s Lorry Watch
9:57am Friday 8th February 2013 in News
Two haulage firms were prosecuted this week thanks to the Bradford on Avon Lorry Watch scheme.
J Bradshaw & Sons Ltd from Lincolnshire and Langdon Industries Ltd from Somerset, pleaded guilty to one offence of breaching the 18 tonne weight restriction and were each fined a total of £890 by Chippenham Magistrates.
The fines are made up of costs, a victim surcharge and £800 for the actual offence, which is the highest fine given so far. The highest fine that can be given for breaches of the weight restriction order is £1000.
This follows a long running campaign during which Lorry Watch volunteers have become a familiar sight in Bradford on Avon’s town centre.
The scheme, launched in October 2011, sees volunteers working with Bradford on Avon Council and Wiltshire Council to monitor vehicles infringing the weight limit on the Town Bridge.
Keith Humphries, cabinet member for public health and protection services, said: “This is another great result for the lorry watch scheme and I thank the volunteers for their efforts.
"Receiving such a high fine for just one offence demonstrates the Magistrates are really taking these offences seriously.
“We hope this action will send a very clear message to other haulage companies and drivers.”
Lorry Watch co-ordinator Stephanie Ridout, said "We in Lorry Watch are hopeful these high fines will send out a clear message to haulage firms that to cross the bridge and contravene the weight limit will not be tolerated.
"All companies have a warning the first time they break the law, if they choose to disregard that, they will be prosecuted."
