Recent Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) figures reveal that overloading offences now carry the highest average fines of any van-related violation, with an average of £2,078 per incident between April 2024 and 2025, equating to almost £400,000 in penalties during this period.
Overloading occurs when a van carries more than its legally permitted Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) which must also include the driver, passengers, fuel and equipment.
But why is overloading taken so seriously? It compromises vehicle and driver safety as the additional weight can have a major impact on the van’s handling and braking, while putting additional stress on the tyres and suspension. This isn’t just a risk for drivers, but other road users too.
Rather than leaving compliance to chance, Jaama’s Key2 platform brings daily vehicle checks and driver responsibilities into one streamlined process. Drivers can carry out daily walk-around checks and log odometer readings directly from their phones. Crucially, the app’s capabilities include safe loading checks as part of this, reinforcing the driver’s responsibility to consider weight distribution and vehicle limits, as well as vehicle condition such as tyres before setting off.
For managers, this means there is a consistent, auditable process in place to demonstrate that overloading is being constantly monitored. If a driver identifies a potential risk, whether that’s a defect, a loading issue or anything else, it’s flagged immediately within Key2, ensuring the fleet has full visibility and can act before the vehicle goes on the road.
The result of using Key2 is fewer risks, safer roads, and a more efficient operation that avoids unnecessary costs while demonstrating best duty of care practices.
