What you need to know
Anyone wishing to obtain a certificate should apply online. The name of the person to be certificated, the address of the weighbridge to be used and the type of weighbridge must be given at the time of applying.
Arrangements will then be made for the applicant to sit an informal test. Successful applicants will be issued with a Public Weighbridge Operators certificate. This is not transferable to another person and will only be valid for the weighbridge type(s) for which the person was tested.
Weighbridge operators must ensure that any relevant documentation is in a suitable form to allow the attendant to give written statements as required by weights and measures legislation.
An operator is also responsible for retaining weighing records for 2 years and for their production to trading standards officers (inspectors of weights and measures).
Failure to do so, together with wilful destruction or defacement within that period, is an offence.
There is no charge for this application.
What we need to see
Applicants will be required to show that they can:
- operate the weighbridge satisfactorily
- complete any weighbridge tickets and associated documentation satisfactorily
- understand basic terms associated with the operation of a weighbridge
- understand their duties as a weighbridge operator
- understand potential frauds which may unknowingly be assisted by a weighbridge operator
- understand how the accuracy of the weighbridge may be affected
- perform simple arithmetic (use of a calculator is permitted)
Applicants should study these topics as these will form the basis of the test.
Applicants should also ensure that they have received sufficient training in the operation of the equipment.
Apply for a public weighbridge licence
It is the policy of this authority to limit the scope of any certificate to the weighbridge that the operator will be expected to use. Should the weighbridge be replaced or changed, a new certificate will be required.
We aim to process applications for a public weighbridge operator's certificate within 10 business days.
Offences relating to public weighbridges
If you act as a public weighbridge operator and you are not certified as being competent to carry out that function, you will commit an offence under the Weights and Measures Act 1985
A public weighbridge operator must comply with these legal requirements. Failure to do so may result in court proceedings. The current penalty is a fine of up to £5,000 or six months' imprisonment or both. Some offences have a maximum penalty of a fine up to £2,000 only.
If you have any enquiries relating to this licence, email tradingstandards@hillingdon.gov.uk.