Load safety

DVSA encounters around 2,000 vehicles each year with unsafe loads. Ensuring vehicle cargo is safely loaded, correctly distributed and properly restrained is a critical driver responsibility. Not only does effective load security prevent danger to other road users, it also helps ensure that goods arrive at their destination undamaged.

In December 2024, the DVSA updated its load safety guidance to help ensure their loads are properly secured. Changes included a new section on risk assessments, clarification on covering loose loads and new sections for some specific loads.

This month we have Load safety toolbox talks to inform both HGV and van drivers of the importance of load security, their personal safety and the safety of others when loading and unloading. The toolbox talks cover:

• What the law says with regard to load restraint, causing danger on the roads, and safe loading and unloading
• The science behind load safety such as weight, friction, inertia and dynamic forces
• Overloading and load distribution, so as not to exceed gross vehicle weight and maximum axle weights
• Load restraint systems and what to do in the event of a load shift

Paying close attention to load safety must be taken seriously by drivers. Transporting a safe and secure load not only keeps others on the road safe but also improves journey time reliability which should be the aim of all drivers who want to operate efficiently.