The importance of a Weigh Bridge

Ever wondered how trucks can manage their payloads and keep within their axle weights? Possibly you didn’t realise but trucks have set axle weights and the loads they carry can’t exceed that figure. If the do exceed their axle weight severe penalties can be handed out and to prevent this from happening a weigh bridge is often used. As you might gather, weigh bridges are like a large set of scales, they take accurate measurements just like the scales in your kitchen or bathroom. The big difference is a commercial Weigh Bridge can be a vital piece of site equipment that ensures commercials stick within the strict guidelines.

Using a Weigh Bridge is actually quite simple you drive the commercial onto the top of the platform.  Once in position on the Weigh Bridge a calibrated reading of the vehicle’s weight can be taken to ensure it’s under the maximum limit. Information taken on the Weigh Bridge can be stored on software and recalled at a later date if that is necessary.

Why bother with a weigh bridge?

Who would know if you didn’t use weigh bridges at your site, surely it’s not that important to use a Weigh Bridge is it, I mean, it’s not like this type of rule can be enforced can it? Actually it can.  Severe penalties are doled out to drivers and companies that fail to use a weigh bridge.

The Ministry of transport regular perform roadside checks with the help of the police and they can order drivers to pull in to use a moveable Weigh Bridge if necessary to establish if it falls within the limits.  If a truck is over the limit once it’s sat upon the Weigh Bridge heavy fines can be handed out. This is one of the reasons that a Weigh Bridge is essential if you want to stay within the law.

What does a weigh bridge look like?

The two most common types of weigh bridges in the UK are pit and surface mounted versions.  As the name implies, a pit mounted Weigh Bridge is sunk into the ground and it’s basically a metal platform that the commercial drives onto.  A surface mounted Weigh Bridge is set on a solid area and there’s a small entrance and exit ramp on either side of the weight measuring device. Again the truck is driven onto the top of the Weigh Bridge and a measurement of the weight is taken.

Both types of Weigh Bridge should be calibrated on a regular basis to ensure they give an accurate type of reading.

Scalessparesservices.co.uk has the most extensive and wide ranging assortment of fault free, flawless weigh bridge equipment and our client care is outstanding. Our weigh bridges are flying off the shelves.