Drivers face £300 fines this winter as simple mistake impacts thousands on roads

Experts explained how they are seeing a growing number of cases where drivers are stopped by enforcement officers and fined because their vans are carrying too much weight.

Drew Hamilton, a van expert at First Step Vehicle Solutions, said many drivers wrongly assume that if everything fits inside the van, it must be safe and legal.

He said: "People often think that if they can close the doors, they're fine. But that's simply not how the law works. Every van has a strict weight limit, and going over it can result in a £300 fine and, in some cases, penalty points."

Every van has a gross vehicle weight (GVW), which is the maximum weight the vehicle is allowed to be fully loaded, including the van itself, fuel, the driver, passengers, tools, equipment and any other cargo.

If a vehicle exceeds this limit, it is classed as overloaded. Enforcement officers can then issue fines depending on how far over the limit the van is.

Mr Hamilton said many drivers have no idea what their van's GVW is. "The GVW is usually printed inside the door frame or under the bonnet, but a lot of people never check it," he explained. "That lack of knowledge is what gets people into trouble."

He warned that the risks of overloading go far beyond a financial penalty, noting: "It takes longer to stop, steering becomes less responsive, and there's much more strain on the tyres, brakes and suspension."

The expert added that these problems increase the risk of accidents, especially at higher speeds or in bad weather.

"You're far more likely to suffer a tyre blowout or mechanical failure if your van is carrying too much weight. That puts not just the driver, but everyone else on the road, in danger," he added.

Drivers often pack furniture, boxes and appliances into a single trip to save time, without realising how quickly the weight adds up.

Tradespeople can also be at risk, particularly those who load and unload tools and materials throughout the day, the expert warned.

"A van can look half empty and still be overweight," Mr Hamilton said. "Heavy tools, equipment racks and accessories all count towards the limit."

He advised drivers to make weight checks part of their routine. "Public weighbridges are much more common than people think," he said. "If you're unsure, it's always worth checking. Even weighing individual items before loading can help prevent mistakes."

Correct loading is also essential, with Mr Hamilton stating heavier items should always be placed low down and near the centre of the van, and properly secured.

For drivers who regularly operate close to their van's weight limit, Mr Hamilton suggested considering a larger vehicle rather than trying to cram into a smaller one.

"Running just under the limit every day leaves no margin for error," he said. "Having extra capacity is much safer in the long run."