The 'shocking' state of Load Security on our roads and the safety initiatives to address this.

Sergeant Peter Snook works in the Commercial Vehicle Unit (Abnormal Loads) for Lancashire Constabulary.  He is familiar with SpanSet as we are the sole UK Distributors for Stinger and contacted us to request some Load Control posters.

This led to a conversation with Rachael Hazeldine (Business Development Manager) who told him about SpanSet’s Load Restraint Training course together with our current Load Control awareness campaigns.

These were of particular interest to Sergeant Snook as Lancashire Constabulary in conjunction with National Highways and DVSA were due to hold one of their regular Roadside HGV Check Days at Cuerden Enforcement site near Preston.  Checks include vehicle weight, load distribution and load security – he invited SpanSet to attend as it was an opportunity for the Police, National Highways and DVSA to learn about the latest load control innovations and industry best practice. 

SpanSet were delighted to attend as it allowed us to experience what was happening on the roads and ensures SpanSet stays relevant and up to date.

Over 40 vehicles were inspected during the day with reference to load security, with only 2 compliant with relevant legislation.  The remainder required load security adjustment and/or Load security Prohibition notices served where appropriate and proportionate, a sobering statistic.

The purpose of the day was not to catch drivers out but to educate – to help protect both drivers and the public from unsafe loads.

The day was so successful, SpanSet have been invited to attend other vehicle check days and 10 members of the police commercial vehicle unit (abnormal loads) have booked onto our load restraint course – the most comprehensive of its kind available.

"Spanset was invited to attend a roadside check site day of action by Lancashire Constabulary as the industry standard for quality load restraint equipment and methods of application. This was to support the learning of HSE lead training to roads policing officers from the Northwest region for loads security and was an invaluable insight for both the officers under instruction and the drivers interacted with during the day."

Collaboration with industry and law enforcement is an incredible opportunity to enhance the learning and share best practice for the benefit of all communities with improved road safety, and our thanks to Spanset for their support in this endeavour." - Sgt Peter Snook - Lancashire Constabulary Commercial Vehicle Unit.