Weight restriction enforcement
Information about weight restriction orders for drivers and residents who want to report breaches.
Weight restriction orders make it an offence to drive a vehicle through the restricted area where the vehicle exceeds the weight limit imposed, unless they are delivering or collecting within the weight restriction.
The police and the Trading Standards Service can enforce weight restriction orders under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. In Oxfordshire, routine inspections are made across the county to ensure that vehicles are not breaking these orders.
Weight restriction orders are intended to:
- protect old or weak bridges and structures
- bar heavy vehicles from areas unsuitable for their size or if they pose a danger, for example, narrow village roads, adjoining schools.
Enforcement work
The Trading Standards Service will continue to enforce the weight restrictions on the county’s roads. Until 31st March 2026 the enforcement programme will consist of-
- Conducted occasionally with Thames Valley Police (dependent on Thames Valley Police assistance being available), these checks efficiently identify and penalise drivers violating weight restrictions and other traffic laws, and are issued with Fixed Penalty Notices. These interventions reduce the need to invest resources in desk-based report preparation and the processing of prosecutions. They also provide a visible deterrent and combine weight restriction enforcement with other driving offences enforcement (e.g. unsecure loads, unroadworthy vehicles, tachograph offences etc). These checks are prioritised in areas with high public concern.
- Pro-active Officer checks. Trading Standards Enforcement Officers perform targeted checks in high-visibility marked vehicles, focusing on priority roads and weak infrastructure, such as bridges. Vehicles are not stopped, but evidence is collected for investigation. These checks provide reassurance, act as a deterrent and reduce reliance on public witness statements.
- ANPR-detected contraventions. Investigations of ANPR-detected contraventions will be targeted at the most aggravating situations, as well as more generally on random days to catch any contravention, which may result in formal action. We will continue to ensure that there is a level of public awareness of visible enforcement.
We ask members of the public to report potential contraventions to us, as these reports help us decide where to target our resources best going forward.
In addition, Trading Standards will continue to assist other OCC teams and local communities on the development of new community-led initiatives, where this is requested.
The use of ANPR cameras at Newbridge
Newbridge is a listed ancient monument which is subject to an 18-tonne maximum gross weight restriction, which applies to all vehicles, not just HGVs. The cameras have enabled Trading Standards to identify every overweight vehicle that crosses the bridge.
Active enforcement will protect the bridge from unnecessary and expensive damage.
Further details about the use of the cameras can be obtained at 01865 519800. If you have a complaint about the use of the cameras please use our Complaints and comments about Oxfordshire County Council
Round up of enforcement work undertaken in 2024
| Vehicles identified by Trading Standards enforcement officers | 9 |
| Public reports of HGV’s in weight restriction areas | 176 |
| Enforcement checks by enforcement officers at weight restriction site | 5 |
| ANPR camera reports from Newbridge | 506 |
| Warning letters to drivers found in breach of weight restrictions | 93 |
| No further action (typically because the HGV has a destination inside the weight restriction or was an exempt class) |
90 |
| Total prosecutions | 18 |
| Total fines | £7,071 |
Advice for drivers of heavy vehicles
- the driver of the vehicle is liable for the offence. The company could also be responsible as the user of the vehicle.
- if your vehicle is seen breaching a weight restriction you may be prosecuted. The maximum fine is £1,000. The council will also seek to recover prosecution costs.
How to avoid breaching a weight restriction order
- know the plated weight and individual axle weights for your vehicle
- plan your route in advance to avoid weight-restricted areas
- ensure that you display any exemption permit that may be applicable to your journey
- following satnav advice does not create a defence acceptable in law.
Finding out the maximum gross weight and axle weights of your vehicle
The maximum permitted gross and the axle weights of your vehicle can be found listed on 'plates', which must be fitted to all vehicles and certain trailers. These will either be a manufacturer's plate or a Department of Transport plate and are usually located either in the cabin or under the bonnet of vehicles or on the chassis of trailers. The weights are given in metric units of kilograms (kg).
Advice for residents
Reporting breaches of weight restrictions in your area
We work with Neighbourhood Watch groups to protect Oxfordshire's roads and bridges and safeguard local communities. You can use the online form below to report breaches.
For your safety, do not attempt to follow or stop any vehicle. Do not use your mobile telephone, including taking pictures, while you are in control of a motor vehicle.
Help in identifying vehicle types