BAD DRIVERS: Scaffold pole ‘launched like a javelin’ at car on M4 during insecure load crackdown
- Perry Richardson
- 20 hours ago
- 1 min read
Police in Gwent have highlighted the dangers of insecure loads after a scaffold pole smashed into a car on the M4.
The incident happened when a scaffolding van braked sharply and a loose pole was propelled forward into a vehicle in front. Fortunately, no one was injured. Officers reported the van driver for the offence.
The crash occurred just as police forces across the UK launched Operation Rule, a national campaign focused on load security in commercial vehicles. The operation takes place every year in memory of 11-year-old Harry Dennis, who died in Sussex when he was struck by an unsecured load.
Roads policing teams are reminding commercial drivers that failing to properly secure equipment can have devastating consequences.
A Gwent Police spokesperson said: “Today is #OperationRule across the Country.
“It relates to load security on #CommercialVehicles and is run annually following the tragic death of 11yr old Harry Dennis in Sussex.
“Just yesterday on the M4 here in Gwent, we attended this RTC, where a scaffolding van braked hard and this insecure scaffold pole was launched like a javelin into the car in front.
‘Luckily no one was injured. The driver was reported for the offence.“
