A new decree published in France on July 7th increases the liability of transport companies and their principals in the event of overloading, the French trade magazine Les Routiers has brought to the attention of hauliers. The decree is part of the Lom law, which was passed in 2022 and aims to improve road safety and reduce the environmental impact of road transport.
The decree states that carriers who give their drivers instructions that are incompatible with the maximum axle loads are liable to a 5th class fine, which is the highest level of fine for road traffic offences in France.
This means that carriers could face fines of up to €1500 for overloading.
The decree also states that the consignor, freight forwarder, charterer, agent or consignee (or any other principal) may also be liable to a 5th class fine if they have made a false declaration resulting in the weight or axle load being exceeded.
This means that anyone involved in the transportation of goods in France could be held liable for overloading, even if they are not the driver of the lorry.
The decree also introduces a new measure that allows for the remote checking of lorry loads: lorries can be checked for overloading without having to be stopped by the police.
It is not yet known whether the remote checking will be done using new radars or existing equipment that has been configured to issue fines without interception, Les Routiers adds.
The decree is expected to come into force in the coming months.