A few observations on VOSA and the start of this thread (I've been in road haulage for 35 years and have had a few brushes with them...)
They will always target unmarked vehicles, on the basis that if you're not using your vehicle to advertise your business you may have something to hide. Drive a tidy looking vehicle with the name of your business and contact details on it and you are less likely to be of interest to them. It's no coincidence that you'll rarely see a Tesco or Eddie Stobart truck in a roadside check.
If your truck is a bit scabby and dirty that's another reason to look a little closer at you - if you can't be bothered with a bit of basic maintenance chances are there're defects to be found
They have jurisdiction over all vehicles on the road, not just heavy stuff, and can pull anyone
On many roads, including motorways, particularly near their depots, there are dynamic weighing loops in the road surface - they have in-vehicle displays linked to them so can see which vehicles passing them are overloaded!
They also have infra red(?) thermometers they can point at vehicle hubs to see if bearings are overheating - one of the causes of wheel loss on heavy trucks, but gives them an excuse to pull you
Whilst the rules and regs are a bit onerous they are designed to keep the roads (and us safe) and do help to keep some of the idiots out there in check
If you do get pulled for being overweight they will not let you carry on, and will insist on you getting someone out with another vehicle to split the load - so always have a mate's phone number handy!
Don't be afraid to ask their advice, particularly if they stop you, those that show an interest in complying with the rules do, in my experience, get treated less harshly.
