Operators of public weighing equipment have responsibilities to ensure that they can perform their duties competently and honestly. Further, no one may operate public weighing equipment unless he/she holds a certificate from a Chief Trading Standards Officer.
Licence Conditions
It is the policy of this authority to limit the scope of any certificate to the weighbridge the operator will be expected to use. Should the weighbridge be replaced or changed a new certificate may be required. You should check with your local Trading Standards Office if the weighbridge is replaced or changed.
Completing your application
How to apply
Please contact Trading Standards.
Fees
There is an application fee which must be paid at the time an application is made.
What happens next?
Receipt of your completed application form and the appropriate fee will be confirmed in writing and an appointment made for a mutually convenient time when you can sit the test. If you have not heard from us within 14 days, please contact us. Applications can then be considered and processed.
The application process
Applicants for a certificate will be tested verbally and practically by an Inspector and will be required to show that they can:
- operate the weighbridge satisfactorily
- complete any weighbridge tickets and associated documentation satisfactorily
- understand basic terms associated with the operation of a weighbridge
- understand their duties as a weighbridge operator
- understand potential frauds which may unknowingly be assisted by a public weighman
- understand the potential offences associated with public weighing
- understand how the accuracy of the weighbridge may be affected
- perform simple arithmetic calculations (use of a calculator is permitted)
Before applying for a test, please ensure that you have received sufficient training in the operation of the equipment and that you have completed the application form. This document will be required by the Inspector when he/she tests you.
The Argyll and Bute Council Trading Standards Service consider and process applications and registrations.
Appeals and Objections
If you have been refused a licence or do not agree with the licence conditions imposed you may appeal to the Chief Trading Standards Officer using the contact details here.
If you do not have a Public Weighbridge Operator’s Certificate or do not comply with any of the conditions, you may be prosecuted and subject to a penalty determined by the criminal courts.
We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the service provider by you - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery). If you wish to complain about the illegal use of a public weighbridge, please contact Trading Standards.