Residents welcome the crackdown on overloaded vehicles

West Berkshire Council's trading standards bosses have been targeting overweight HGVs across areas, including Tilehurst in Reading and Aldermaston.

They say the enforcement programme has led to a significant reduction in the amount of times the law is flouted.

The local authority claims its measures have been welcomed by the residents.

'Safety risk'

A council spokesperson said: "The action has enjoyed the support of the local communities that can be blighted by illegal lorry movements."

Councillor Sally Hannon, the council's highways and transportation boss, said: "It is accepted that freight has to move around and those that move it provide an important service.

"However, lorry drivers that breach weight restrictions can cause significant damage to people's living environment, as well as structural damage to bridges and roads.