A vehicle carrying a large stack of timber pallets was brought to a swift halt by Gardaí in Co. Longford this week for travelling with an unsecured load.
The vehicle was stopped by members of An Garda Síochána in Longford town yesterday (Wednesday, February 3), according to local Gardaí.
Taking to social media, An Garda Síochána explained:
“Longford Roads Policing Unit stopped this vehicle in Longford Town carrying an unsecured load yesterday.
Longford Roads Policing Unit stopped this vehicle in Longford Town carrying an unsecured load yesterday.
Driver was also discovered to be on a non-essential journey.
Fine to follow for non-essential journey and court to follow for unsecured load.#StayHome pic.twitter.com/PUG8lckFyd
— An Garda Síochána (@GardaTraffic) February 4, 2021
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“Driver was also discovered to be on a non-essential journey.
“Fine to follow for non-essential journey and court to follow for unsecured load.”
Travelling with an unsecured load poses a number of risks for both the driver of the vehicle and other road users, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has said.
The RSA insists that all loads must be secured even if the vehicle is only travelling a short distance or at low speeds.
- Loss of control of vehicle;
- Objects to fall on or hit people;
- Road obstruction or collision where a driver is required to swerve to avoid fallen items;
- Failure to secure loads properly may also result in financial losses due to damaged goods and vehicles, lost working time, clean up costs and legal costs.
Operators or drivers should employ a load restraint method suitable to the load being carried, according to the RSA.
Load security is not just the sole responsibility of the vehicle driver. Employers, vehicle owners, drivers and loading and unloading staff all have a role to play in ensuring loads are secure, the RSA said.