Avoiding overloading with Bowmonk Smartweigh
Weighing equipment provider Bowmonk has warned of the dangers of overloading vehicles in order to maximise productivity when transporting product.
Whether in a bid to save a return trip or due to an incorrect guess at the cargo’s weight, both the driver and the operator are at risk of being caught and subsequently penalised, the firm says.
The amount of the excess load will determine the severity of the penalty,” said Bowmonk.
“This could be anything from a small fine for marginal excesses to imprisonment for being grossly and dangerously overloaded.
“Recently the Road Policing Unit spotted a 3.5T van almost scraping the road surface. On further inspection the vehicle was found to be 34 per cent overloaded on the 
front axle, 70 per cent on the rear, giving an overall GVW (gross vehicle weight) excess of 72.8 per cent. That`s 6.05T.
“If this van knocked over a child running into the road when travelling at 20 mph in a 30 zone, without vehicle faults and within the legal axle weight limits, it could be classed as an accident, with the child suffering nothing more than minor injuries,” the company continued.
“Whereas the same situation when loaded as indicated above, the longer stopping distance would mean the child`s injuries would be more serious, even life-threatening.”
The GVW is largely determined by factors such as maximum tyre loading, front and rear suspension capability, braking efficiency and maximum axle load, says Bowmonk, all performing to within the vehicle manufacturer`s parameters.
“Exceed any of these and the overall vehicle safety is compromised. This could manifest itself in a number of ways – longer stopping distance, heavier braking and excessive tyre wear. There are also the financial implications, those being premature tyre and brake lining replacement and increased fuel consumption.
“Vehicles running at or under their legal GVW also need to consider how evenly it is loaded.
“For example, a vehicle having a maximum payload capacity of 1.5 tonne may only be carrying 1 tonne. But if this not evenly loaded it could be running overweight on one of the axles, again rendering it unsafe.
“Installing a relatively inexpensive and comprehensive axle load monitoring system like the Smartweigh system from Bowmonk will give the driver peace of mind knowing he is running as productive and as safely as possible within the maximum weight parameters.”
