Weighbridge operator
To operate a public weighbridge, you require a certificate of competence issued by Trafford Council.
Eligibility criteria
You must have sufficient knowledge for the proper performance of your duties.
Regulation summary
The applicant should be able to demonstrate that he/she is both technically capable of operating a public weighbridge and fit and proper to conduct such duties by showing a knowledge of:
- The need to have basic computer literacy and knowledge of PC based weighing instruments.
- The need to keep the instrument in correct balance or at gross zero for electronic or mechanical conversion instruments, and the method by which the balance or zero is maintained.
- The meaning of the terms 'gross', 'tare' and 'net' weight and the ability to record a weighing correctly.
- The operation of the instrument, ticket printing and recording mechanisms.
- Common faults likely to lead to inaccuracy in weighing in particular, badly or incorrectly located loads, fouling between the load receptor and surround, flooding of pit, dirt on load receptor.
- The precautions to be observed in weighing vehicles: in particular, proper visibility of the load receptor; proper positioning of the vehicle; no person to be on vehicle during weighing.
- The need for level approaches to the weighbridge load receptor where a double weighing is permitted (not permitted for trade transactions) and the need to record separately each axle weighing.
- The responsibilities imposed on keepers of public weighing equipment by section 20 of the Act.
- The making out of documents: in particular dates and times of weighings always to be inserted; particulars of tare and gross weighings not to be entered in a single document unless the interval between the two weighings was less than twenty-four hours, documents not to be handed to drivers (or otherwise issued) with blank spaces for recording particulars of tare weights or net weights (i.e., if there are no weight entries in one or more spaces provided for that purpose, the space or spaces should either be crossed through or cancelled by inserting words such as 'not ascertained' or 'vehicle not tared'); all entries and cancellations on document to be made indelibly; alterations to be avoided.
- The requirements for keepers of public weighing equipment to record each weighing and to retain the records for at least two years.
More information is available in the Weights and Measures Act 1985.
How your application will be evaluated
Within five working days of receiving the application, we will contact you to arrange an appointment to assess your competency. This assessment must take place at the public weighbridge and will take place at a mutually agreed time. The certificate will be issued or refused within five working days of the assessment taking place.
Will tacit consent apply?
No. It is in the public interest that the authority must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from the local authority within a reasonable period, please contact it.
Where tacit consent is applicable, it will only apply for licences / registrations that are submitted electronically or the business can show proof of delivery from a post office or recognised courier.
How to apply
To apply for a public weighbridge operator's certificate please contact us using the details at the bottom of the page.
Failed application redress
Please contact us in the first instance using the details supplied at the bottom of the page. You may appeal to the National Measurement Office if your application is refused.
Licence holder redress
Please contact us in the first instance using the details supplied at the bottom of the page.
Consumer complaints
We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, Advice Guide will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.
Trade associations