Mobile weighers for random checks
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by Karen Miles • Surprise weighings for lorries could start as soon as this autumn, says the Vehicle Inspectorate.
A few mobile weighers, which will be positioned at random roadside sites, could be pulling in their first prosecutions by November. These will be followed by the VI buying about 20-25 of the instruments during 1997 for use throughout Britain.
In the second phase—expected any time between this autumn and spring of next year—the VI will buy four machines from separate manufacturers and begin mobile weighing enforcement against errant operators. The Road Haulage Association and the Freight Transport Association will be invited to observe.
Meanwhile, a draft code of practice detailing how to use the weighers is almost complete. The joint VI and Trading Standards document will also make clear the level of accuracy that can be guaranteed from the mobile weighers so operators will find it harder to argue in court that their readings are inaccurate. There is a longstanding debate about the accuracy of mobile weighers.