Load security is incredibly important but is often overlooked. It’s a topic which may not seem exciting or interesting, but the consequences of neglecting it can be truly devastating.
Back in December 2024, Driver Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) updated its load security guidance to help operators ensure their loads are properly secured. Changes included:
- a new section on the importance of risk assessments to help manage the issues facing those involved in securing loads
- clarification on covering loose loads and how a risk assessment can be used to inform this decision
- changes to the introduction to clarify how the guidance can help the reader be compliant with UK regulations
- minor amendments following feedback from our stakeholders
- a new section on securing asbestos waste
- a section on securing precast concrete sections
A tragic reminder
The tragic story of Harry Dennis - an 11-year-old who lost his life due to an insecure load - highlights just how critical this issue is.
Harry was killed in 2022 when the driver of a light goods vehicle carrying scaffolding failed to secure its load. The driver, Russell Le Beau, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and was sentenced to 4 years in prison and disqualified from driving for 7 years. In court, he admitted that he hadn’t received any training on load security for 15 years - which he blamed for the incident.
This heartbreaking incident is a reminder of the importance of proper training and diligence. It’s not just about following rules; it’s about saving lives.
Prevention through guidance, prohibitions and prosecutions
DVSA encounters around 2,000 vehicles each year with insecure loads. These vehicles are stopped from continuing their journey until the load is secured, often resulting in fixed penalties or prosecutions for the drivers. This proactive approach is crucial in preventing further tragedies.
Had the driver in Harry’s case been more diligent and kept up to date with the basic requirements for driving a commercial vehicle, he would have known to secure the load properly. But it’s not just on the drivers – operators have a big responsibility too. They need to make sure staff are properly trained and fully aware of all requirements. Regular training sessions and updates can go a long way in preventing oversights and ensuring safety. By investing in employee knowledge and skills, operators can significantly reduce the risk of incidents.
DVSA’s load security code of practice provides extensive guidance, including specific sections on scaffolding which is a known area of concern identified by enforcement examiners. The guidance is easy to understand and avoids any technical jargon - so, everyone can follow it.
The Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness (GTMR) also offers operators clear instructions and reminders about their responsibilities. It emphasises the importance of daily walkaround checks and inspections to ensure vehicles are safe to drive.
Maria Dennis, Harry’s mother, has been working to promote road safety. Her courage and dedication to preventing similar tragedies is truly inspiring.
“Every day, I live with the pain of losing my son. No family should have to endure this heartbreak.
“I am dedicated to promoting road safety to ensure no other lives are lost due to preventable negligence. I am committed to working with enforcement agencies – such as the Police and DVSA – to help raise awareness, improve industry standards and share best practice.
“It’s crucial that everyone follows the guidance and regulations in place to secure loads properly. Together we can make our roads safer for everyone.”
Commit to following the guidance
The guidance isn’t just for HGVs – it covers a range of vehicles, including vans and other light goods vehicles. Remember, every vehicle carries a risk if not properly managed and loaded.
Whether you’re an operator, manager, transport manager or responsible for loading any type of vehicle - please make sure you’re familiar with and follow the guidance, so that you can ensure vehicles are loaded safely and appropriately.
It’s not just about compliance; it’s about keeping our road safe and protecting lives.
What steps do you take to ensure safety? Comment below to share your best practice!
12 comments
Comment by Anonymous posted on
I see a lot of scaffolding wagons with no tailgates on and nothing holding the poles or planks in apart from their own weight, not even a single strap
Comment by Mike Gill posted on
How about making a module on this subject for drivers CPC.
Comment by Daniel posted on
I appreciate the importance of load safety having moved everything from a pallet of pop to 777 dumpers. The current guidelines are vague and non-descriptive in many areas, particularly for plant machinery and abnormal loads. Dreamed up and enforced by many people who have never driven a truck or secured a load. Further communication and guidance from DVSA is zero! They are very happy to tell you its not good enough and dish out fines but when asked serious questions and given real life situations none of them are prepared to stick their head above the parapet and say “yes, that’s how we want it doing”
Comment by L Wardle posted on
I am paranoid about the use of break loose safety chains on Agricultural tractor to trailers & trailed implements. This should be mandatory, the breaking loose of trailer and or trailed attachments can have terrible consequences
Comment by Kev Exton posted on
In many cases their is a shared responsibility regarding load security, in this era whereby time is money we have routers and planners who can be selling Ice cream one day and the next can be working in a busy planning office and giving instruction to professional drivers, usually creating immense time constraints, O licensing doesn't go far enough into this issue allowing responsibility to solely be aimed at the driver.
Comment by Louise posted on
Drivers of scaffolding lorries should have to do cpc training the same as any other driver.
Comment by Mark Horton (DVSA) posted on
In some circumstances they do but in general they are exempt because driving is not considered to be their main activity. For example if your job is just to move the scaffolding around from base to site and you are not involved in erecting the scaffolding you fall in scope of driver CPC. If however you spend less than 30% of your working time driving and the rest erecting scaffolding etc. then you are exempt. If the vehicle is 3,500 kg and below then driver CPC does not apply in any circumstances.
Comment by Raymond Brown posted on
What about skip Lorrie’s around tooting sw17 London very overloaded
Comment by Mark Horton (DVSA) posted on
If you have some information about overloaded vehicles could you please send them to our team so that we can investigate as appropriate.
enquiries@dvsa.gov.uk
Comment by Georgie posted on
Hi, is the updated video for PSV daily walkaround checks going to be available soon?
Comment by Mark Horton (DVSA) posted on
This is something which is being addressed, once they are available we will of course publicise their release but unfortunately I cannot give you a date yet.
Comment by Steven Thorpe posted on
The importance of an extra few minutes checking your load before driving off can be so very worth while in keeping people safe.