A LORRY driver whose trailer broke off while driving along a country road has been fined.

The lorry, which was carrying 16 tonnes of empty crisp bags, was passing through Newbridge Hill, in West Bergholt, at about 3.45pm yesterday when the mishap occurred.

It had come from Purfleet, via the M25 and the A12, on its way to the Colchester village.

Officers from Essex Police Commercial Vehicle Unit were called to scene and launched an investigation.

It found the driver had not secured the trailer to the cab when he collected his load from Purfleet.

The trailer was removed by specialist recovery vehicles and the cab was taken to Boreham services and clamped until a mechanical investigation was carried out by inspectors from the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency.

No faults were found.

Officers issued the driver with a £60 fixed penalty fine for using a vehicle in a dangerous condition and £200 for failing to take sufficient breaks while driving between April 8 and 9.

He also faces a further £300 fine after being ordered to court for driving the vehicle with a total weight of 27 tons along a road with a 7.5 ton restriction.

The driver must also pay the cost of recovering and repairing the trailer.