Lorry driver caused tailbacks

A professional lorry driver whose wide load held up rush hour traffic in Fife has appeared in court.

Trevor Walsh, 44, pulled on to the A92 between Lochgelly and Kirkcaldy shortly before 5pm. Abnormal load restrictions prevent such vehicles from using the route between 3.30pm and 6.30pm. This is in order to minimise the impact on other road users at busy times of the day.

The move caused major tailbacks and slow moving traffic on the eastbound carriageway on September 17 last year.

Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court heard the traffic did not look too busy at the moment Walsh pulled out and he thought he would be able to make it along the dual carriageway without causing problems.

He drove to the extreme left of the carriageway to allow other traffic to get past, but drivers were apprehensive about passing him due to the size of the load.

Walsh was charged under section three of the Road Traffic Act 1988, which relates to driving without due care and attention, or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road.

The court was told there was no issue with the load that he was driving, but rather with the timing of his decision to travel on the road.

Sheriff Alison McKay imposed a fine of £500 and Walsh had three penalty points added to his licence.