What is a Weighbridge Operator Licence?
As required by Section 18 of the Weights and Measures Act 1985. A weighbridge operator must have a weighbridge operator licence before operating a weighbridge.
A weighbridge, also known as a truck scale and a railroad scale is a large set of scales, usually mounted permanently on a concrete foundation, that is used to weigh entire rail or road vehicles and their contents. By weighing the vehicle both empty and when loaded, the load carried by the vehicle can be calculated.
Eligibility criteria
A weighbridge operator must be certified to show that they can:
Petroleum can be found in:
- use the equipment properly
- use associated equipment
- record and calculate the results of weighing’s
You cannot operate a weighbridge until your weighbridge operator license has been granted. It is an illegal offensive to operate a weighbridge without a weighbridge operator license.
How to apply for a Weighbridge Operator Licence
Weighbridge Operator Licence applications must be made via your local council. You can find the contact details for your local council at the Official UK Government Website.
Applicants will also need to pass a weighbridge operator efficiency test before a weighbridge operator licence is issued. This will be evaluated by an authorised officer from the trading standards team of your local authority.
Fines and penalties
You could be fined up to £5,000 and imprisoned for 6 months if you operate a weighbridge without a weighbridge operator license or don’t follow any of the restrictions.
