An extra £8 million per year for the next three years is being ploughed into a high risk traffic scheme by the Vehicle and Operator Service Agency.

The VOSA initiative aims to cut the number of accidents involving both light commercial and light goods vehicles, through a 50% increase in checks.

And with an increasing number of fleet operators turning to sub 3.5 tonne vehicles, the problem of overloading is increasing.

“When we look at what we prosecute right at the top is overloading,” said Barry Ricks, head of education and guidance at VOSA.

That equated to 489 convictions in 2007/08 with an average fine of £545.

However, VOSA is intent on working with the industry to bring these numbers down.

In addition, drivers will be given fixed penalties for which, VOSA say, will shift the burden of responsibility to the driver.

“What it does is emphasise to the driver the importance of it being their responsibility and the need to carry out walk around checks,” added Mr Ricks.