Oversized Load HGV Driver Keeps Licence following Careless Driving Charge

The driver of an oversized load, represented at the Magistrates’ Court by barrister Helen Newbold, had been charged with careless driving, failing to stop and failing to report following an accident with a vehicle on a dual carriageway.

The driver thought that he had suffered a tyre blow out on the nearside of his vehicle. However unbeknown to him the nearside of his load had collided with a vehicle which had broken down just off the carriageway causing severe damage. The two young occupants were shocked by the collision but not injured.
The driver pulled in at what he believed was the first available opportunity to inspect his vehicle and load, no evidence of a collision was apparent.

The HGV driver pleaded guilty to the offences. The District Judge, having heard the victim impact statements read by the Prosecution and detailed mitigation from Helen Newbold, imposed penalty points and a fine.