22 July 2022

Safely secure your load or be fined hundreds

| Claire Fenwicke
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Long panels protrude from the boot and passenger window of a station wagon

A driver is pulled over in Belconnen for transporting bulky goods unsafely. Photo: ACT Policing.

Canberrans have been reminded to safely and legally secure all large loads following a weekend traffic incident.

Police officers pulled over the driver of a white Commodore station wagon in Belconnen at 8:10 am on Friday, 24 June after spotting building materials protruding from the car’s passenger window and boot.

The driver was fined $598 and lost one demerit point.

Police have issued a reminder to all Canberra motorists that it is an offence in the ACT to:

  • not properly secure a load
  • have a load that causes the vehicle to be unstable
  • have a load that projects from a vehicle in a way likely to injure a person, obstruct the path of another driver or damage a vehicle.

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Unsecured and overhanging loads could become “a flying missile with the ability to kill”, according to the NRMA.

“It’s important to remember that your load must not exceed the legal limits in relation to weight, length, height, width and rear overhang of your vehicle,” an NRMA article stated.

Police reminded drivers planning renovations, relocating or moving bulky items that many hardware stores offered free trailer rental. Drivers could also rent a ute or van.

Long panels protrude from a car's passenger window.

The driver of this vehicle loses one demerit point and is fined $598 for not properly securing the load. Photo: ACT Policing.

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