Downplated overloading
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• Co Tyrone haulier John Allingham, trading as Allingham Transport of Cookstown, Northern Ireland, was accused of overloading a downplated vehicle before the Oldbury magistrates.
Prosecuting, Kathryn Young said the van concerned had been stopped by police because it looked overweight. When weighed, the permitted gross weight of 7,490kg was exceeded by 2,170kg (28.97%), and the rear axle by 1,180kg (21.07%).
The circumstances were unusual because the vehicle was capable of carrying heavier weights than it was plated for, and had been downplated to bring it under the 0-licence limit. It also meant it could be driven by drivers who were not the holder of LGV licences and it attracted a lower rate of tax, For Allingham, Geoff Davies said the vehicle had been overloaded simply because the plate was less than it was entitled to be. The vehicle had started out as a 10-tonner, The actual weight recorded was 9,660kg, so in effect it had been 340kg below its limit.
There had been no question of any financial gain or danger, said Davies. The van had not been modified in any way and had the physical capability of operating at 10 tonnes, Ailingham was fined £100.