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Scaffolding firms across the UK are being encouraged to take a fresh look at onboard weighing systems as the industry works to cut down on overloaded vehicles and improve road safety.
Vehicle overloading is still a common problem, especially for vans and flatbed trucks used by scaffolding and construction contractors. During recent roadside checks, officers found a Ford Transit that was almost 50% over its legal weight limit.
The driver was fined on the spot, and the operator was reported to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
The penalties can also be steep. The DVSA says drivers can be fined £100 for being just 5–10% over the limit, £200 for 10–15%, and £300 for up to 30%. Anything above that can lead to a court summons, vehicle immobilisation, and even invalid insurance.
It’s not just about fines, though. Overloading puts serious strain on a vehicle’s axles, suspension and brakes, making it harder to control and more likely to fail. It can also cause costly damage and lead to increased fuel consumption.
That’s why many companies are now fitting onboard weighing systems such as the VanWeigh Smart-Weigh. The system uses sensors to measure a vehicle’s axle loads and overall weight, giving drivers live feedback on an in-cab display or mobile app. If the weight gets too high, they get an instant alert before they hit the road.
It can be fitted to almost any type of van or truck and is designed to be simple to use and maintain. Drivers can also print or save weight records to help with compliance checks or audits.
As enforcement tightens and insurance firms pay closer attention to overloading, tools like these are quickly becoming essential. They not only prevent fines and downtime but also help keep staff and other road users safe.
A spokesperson for VanWeigh said: “Overloading is still one of the biggest risks for operators, especially in scaffolding where loads change from job to job. Our system gives drivers a clear picture of what’s happening with their vehicle before they leave site. It’s about making life easier, safer and more compliant.”
By fitting onboard weighing systems, scaffolding firms can avoid penalties, protect their reputation, and keep their vehicles running safely and legally.
