Overload blitz
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A BLITZ against thousands of overloaded lorries carrying grain from farms in Northumberland to ports has led to court appearances for many companies.
Trading standards officers carried out roadside checks after their observers reported sightings of apparently overloaded lorries.
Prosecution of many companies has already taken place and more will come before magistrates on February 1.
County trading standards officer Raymond Hey told CM that the seasonal rush to get grain to the ports of Berwick and Blyth after the harvest had resulted in lorries being overloaded.
The clampdown had reduced the problem considerably, Mr Hey said, and added that a similar clampdown might be necessary at harvest time next year.
• Suffolk Police will soon have new weight pads to help enforce overloading regulations. The pads have been on order from the Department of Transport for some time and are expected shortly.
Traffic officers are being trained in the use of the pads, which can be carried by car.