Photo: Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)

Trucker whose improvisation unimpressed DVSA is widely praised by fellow drivers

The driver of a HGV with a wheel axle supported by 4 canvas straps has been praised for his improvisation by fellow truckers despite the DVSA immobilizing his vehicle on the basis it was unsafe.

You can read this article in 2 minutes

The case of the lorry and its driver was made public by the DVSA on its Facebook page last Thursday.

The HGV was stopped at the Port of Dover, where inspectors discovered that the vehicle’s driver had supported a wheel axle using 4 canvas lashing straps.

This, the DVSA argues, “impaired the braking ability increasing the stopping distance and adversely affected the stability of the trailer.” The DVSA added: “Had this temporary fix become loose while the vehicle was moving, more components could have become detached by striking the road surface.”

On the basis of the above, the DVSA immediately immobilised the lorry until it “was made safe”. In the opinion of the DVSA, the driver “should have stopped and sought assistance when he became aware there was an issue.”

Despite this criticism, many of the truckers who follow the DVSA on social media came to the defence of their fellow lorry driver.

The most liked comment under the DVSA’s post reads: “Good effort driver! Good to see people using their head to get out of a sticky one, I’d of probably have done the same depending on the situation.”

Another driver also cast doubt on the DVSA claim about reduced braking ability, writing: “Wouldn’t have gone to ground anyway as axle is lifted, braking not impaired either as it would still not be braking as axle not in contact with road.”

Countless other comments also contained the words “good job”, “fair play”, and “good improvisation”.