Trading Standards officers recently checked the accuracy of weighbridges in Dorset.

Weighbridges act as big scales for weighing loads up to 50 tonnes and are used for weighing scrap metal, bulk animal feed, straw, stone and more.

An error on the weighbridge can mean a difference to the load and could result in lorries on the highway being overloaded.

Any weighbridges found to be outside of tolerance are issued a notice before being calibrated.

Trading Standards are the primary enforcement authority for making sure that businesses maintain accurate weighing and measuring equipment, and this function is delivered locally by Dorset Council.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Our inspectors regularly check weighing and measuring equipment in Dorset, including petrol & diesel pumps, shop scales, measuring instruments and pub measures.

“We also check finished products which declare a weight or measure on the packaging to make sure they're within the tolerances allowed. This ensures that when you buy goods sold by weight or measure, whether it's loose or pre-packed, you're getting what you paid for.

“Accurate measurements are not just about economics though, it's also about safety. Many medications are prescribed based on the weight of the person or animal being treated, chemicals may be added to products or processes which could be unsafe or ineffective if the amount isn't right, and precision engineering relies on everything being a perfect fit to make sure it doesn't fail.”