A Bridport removals firm whose van was stopped for being overloaded as it was driven on the M6 near Carlisle has been fined.

The city’s Rickergate court heard that the Saturn Removals Limited vehicle was stopped as it drove along the motorway at Todhills on March 2. Checks showed that the Ford vehicle was 52 per cent overloaded.

Officials from the firm, whose address was listed as Hannah Court, North Allington, Bridport, entered a guilty plea to an offence under the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations.

Court records say that the excess weight was 1,840kg.

Magistrates imposed a fine of £2,339, with costs of £298 and a victim surcharge of £190, making a total bill to the court of £2,827.

The driver involved in the incident also admitted driving the Ford while it was overloaded.

Kevin Anthony Cox, aged 47, of Lower Townend, Burton Bradstock, was fined £701, with £298 costs and a £70 victim surcharge.

The prosecution was brought by the Drivers Standards Agency.

The defendant was not present in court.