Drivers have been issued an urgent warning to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy after the police pulled over a severely overloaded vehicle.
Essex Police reported that they had stopped a car that was heavily laden after the owner had left a car boot sale.
Officers outlined their concerns after seeing a number of items stacked vertically on the roof of the vehicle.
This included several crates, a suitcase and even a pink unicorn, which all appeared to be held together with straps.
Essex Police stated that the items had been stacked "unimpressively high", describing the vehicle as "eye-catching".
The force highlighted the serious road safety issues associated with having such a tall load on the roof.
If a motorist exceeds the weight limit of the car, it can have a huge impact on how the car handles and brakes.
They explained that an overloaded vehicle can take much longer to stop, be harder to steer, and put additional strain on tyres and suspension.
Essex Police pulled over an overloaded car, which had a litany of other issues
|ESSEX POLICE
Drivers can also put other road users at risk as items stacked on the roof could come loose and fall into the road.
With a large number of items on the roof, the vehicle's centre of gravity can be raised, making it easier for the car to lose control.
The force acknowledged that it may be tempting to try to cram in as many purchases as possible after a car boot.
However, this can lead to serious safety issues for the driver themselves and any other road users.
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Essex Police issued a warning to drivers about overloading their vehicles after a car boot
|ESSEX POLICE
Essex Police added that none of the items on the roof had been properly secured, while the vehicle's MOT test had expired several months ago.
They also found that the front bumper was secured with a bungee cord, and the front number plate was missing.
The vehicle only had one functional brake light, and the driver also wasn't wearing a seatbelt.
Warning drivers, the police said: "While this stop raised a few eyebrows - and smiles - the message is an important one. Police regularly stop unsafe vehicles to prevent incidents before they happen.
"Road safety enforcement isn't about spoiling anyone's day. It's about keeping everyone safe on the road or heading home from a car boot sale!"
It urged motorists to take time after leaving a car boot to ensure all items are secure, with helpful tips. These include:
- Check their vehicle and roof rack weight limits
- Spread the load evenly
- Secure items properly
- Avoid stacking goods too high
- Make multiple journeys if necessary