The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) enforcement figures for 2024/25 have revealed a sharp rise in van overloading offences – up 55% on 2023/24. In total there were 448 reported offences, two thirds (300) of which were for overloading.
Vehicles found to be exceeding payload limits by more than 30% result in mandatory court action for their owners. Of those cases taken to court in 2024/25, 294 (98%) ended in conviction, offenders paying over £11m in fines, more than double those of 2023/24.
The second most frequent offence (95) related to vehicle maintenance standards.
Commenting on the figures Steve Dethick (pictured), Manager at Driver Hire Training, said: “Compliance is about more than legalities. There’s a very real road safety issue here; overloading can significantly affect a vehicle’s handling, braking performance and tyre safety. To reduce the risk of non-compliance, fines and reputational damage, we strongly recommend that employers ensure their drivers complete a daily walk round check of their vehicle, looking at tyres, lights and brakes. It’s also important that they check and fully understand the van’s payload limits. And, it almost goes without saying, that the vehicle is matched to the job.”