A large number of roads and bridges in Oxfordshire are subject to Weight Restriction Orders to protect them against damage. These orders make it an offence to drive a vehicle through the restricted area where the vehicle exceeds the weight limit imposed unless an exemption permit has been granted.

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.

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.

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.

How to avoid breaching a Weight Restriction Order

• Know the plated weight and individual axle weights for your vehicle
• Know what weight restriction signs mean
• Plan your route in advance to avoid weight restricted areas
• Ensure that you display any exemption permit that may be applicable to your journey.

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).

Most importantly, know what the sign means:

No vehicles over maximum gross weight shown (in tonnes)	No goods vehicles over maximum gross weight shown

See also:

• vehicle overloading
• abnormal loads and lorry routes.

Advice for residents

Reporting breaches of weight restrictions in your area

We are working 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.

In the interest of your safety, under no circumstances should you attempt to follow or stop any vehicle. Mobile telephones should not be used for any purpose whilst you are in control of a motor vehicle including taking pictures.

Please see the following document for help in identifying vehicle types.

• Simplified guide to lorry types and weights (pdf format, 396 Kb)

Report breaches with this online form

If you have witnessed a suspected breach of a highway weight restriction by a vehicle in Oxfordshire then you can report this matter to Oxfordshire Trading Standards dedicated Road Traffic Enforcement Team for further investigation by completing the form below.