A driver’s been convicted after a wheelie bin flew out of his van on a busy Wiltshire route.
Andrew Wheeler pleaded guilty to using a motor vehicle that caused a danger of injury due to the security of its load, Swindon Magistrates’ Court heard today (Friday).
Mike Cook, prosecuting, said that the wheelie bin left the rear of the defendant’s Ford Transit van on 11 April this year and landed in the middle of the A365 in Melksham – blocking the carriageway.
But the 60-year-old, from Horton, Devizes, didn’t noticed and carried on his journey. The incident was reported to the police and evidenced by dashcam footage.
In response to court papers, Wheeler accepted his offence but claimed that a HGV passed him closely and at speed, which coupled with heavy rain, may have caused his load to become insecure. He said that the wheelie bin was secure when it was put into the van.
The property agent added that when he noticed the bin was gone some time later, he tried to locate it be re-tracing his steps – but could not find it.
Wheeler also said that he’ll take extra care in the future to ensure it does not happen again.
Magistrates fined him £223 and imposed three points on his driving licence. He must also pay £90 prosecution costs and a court surcharge.
