Police stop van with parrot wedged between parcels

Officers took an overloaded van off the road that contained unsecured railway sleepers and a live parrot in a cage.

Essex Police has revealed that it stopped the driver during patrols on the A12 near Colchester on 16 May.

The force said it contained unsecured timber and the cage wedged between parcels.

"Even Polly deserves better than a bumpy ride in the back – strap them in, secure the load, and make sure everyone gets home safely," said a spokesperson.

A spokesperson said the vehicle was escorted to a weighbridge in Colchester, where it was found to be 84% over its legal weight limit - nearly three tonnes over the legal limit.

The driver was issued fines on the spot, totalling £800.

"A cage or carrier should be strapped in or fixed in place, otherwise it can become a dangerous projectile in a collision," the force added.

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