An Orpington man who drove an “excessively overweight” car filled with bricks and hard core along the M11 in Chigwell has been fined more than £2,300.

Jon Douglass, 42, of Gillmans Road, was sentenced at Southend Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, September 25.

Douglass stopped his vehicle at around 7.30pm on Wednesday, May 30 after having concerns the vehicle was too heavy.

The actual weight of the vehicle was found to be 6,280 kilos, far in excess of the permitted weight limit of 3,500 kilos.

He had admitted the offence in writing through his solicitor at an earlier hearing.

On top of the fine, he has been ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £170 and £90 costs.

Pc Mike Bignell, of Chigwell roads policing unit, said: “Douglass’s vehicle was being driven in a dangerous way as it was significantly overloaded with hard core and bricks.

“The vehicle was at risk of collapsing on one of the country’s major roads, putting other motorists in danger.

“Douglass has admitted he made a mistake and this should act as a warning to carry out the necessary checks before starting your journey.”