Peugeot Partner van technology alerts drivers to overloading

Peugeot has developed an 'Overload Indicator' to ensure drivers avoid overloading their vans.

The two-stage system is available on the Partner and warns drivers when they are within 10% of the maximum gross vehicle weight, and provides a second alert if they exceed the vehicle’s limit. The alerts flash up at the rear of the van and on the i-Cockpit® display to ensure drivers have maximum visibility when both loading the van and when they are about to set off.

Research by Peugeot found nearly one in every four vans exceeded their maximum payload capacity in Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) roadside tests, placing both drivers and other road users at risk.

Peugeot demonstrates how this problem can be avoided through the Tradesmen Challenge, where competing Tradesmen use the innovative Overload Indicator technology to load vans as close to the legal load weight as possible.

The electricians came out on top, getting closest to the 983kg payload of the PEUGEOT Partner GRIP BlueHDi 100 S&S 5-speed manual used in the challenge, by packing 917kg of goods inside – including the three-strong team.

Peugeot’s research found 7% of van drivers were found to exceed their payload limit by 15% to 30%, placing themselves and other road users in significant danger, as overloading increases braking distances, compromises vehicle handling and accelerates wear and tear on safety critical components.

Since 2015, the DVSA has weighed more than 44,000 vans in roadside tests, with 23% found to be overloaded. Exceeding the maximum payload results in a minimum £100 Fixed Penalty Notice, rising up to £300 when exceeding the limit by more than 15%. Any driver exceeding their vehicle’s maximum payload by more than 30% faces a potential court summons. 

David Peel, Managing Director of Peugeot UK, said: “Road safety is a priority at Peugeot, and innovative features like the Overload Indicator fitted to our award-winning Partner van improves safety for all road uses – not just van drivers. It’s always great to put our technologies to the test and this Tradesmen Challenge was about having a bit of fun with the technology, while showcasing how easy it is to overload a van. This is both illegal and a big safety concern so this feature is hugely important.”