Cardboard flies off back of open truck into traffic on the A40 in West London

Drivers on the A40 in West London had to swerve around sheets of cardboard and boxes after they flew off the back of an open truck on Sunday 4 October.

Footage shared with UB1UB2 shows the open-backed truck moving along the A40, also known as Western Avenue. Its load appears to be uncovered and not strapped down. Large pieces of cardboard and boxes can be seen blowing off the back and landing in the lanes behind it.

Further along, the truck is seen stopped at a junction with more of the load still loose in the back. The person who filmed it chose not to be named.

The exact stretch of road and the time have not been confirmed. Police have not said whether anyone was hurt, whether any vehicles were damaged, or whether the incident was reported to them.

What the law says about loads

Anyone who drives a vehicle has to make sure the load is secure and cannot shift or fall off. This applies to cars and vans as well as lorries. Police advice is that it is illegal to drive a vehicle that is dangerous to the driver or other road users, either because of the vehicle's condition or because of how it has been loaded and secured.

Driving with an insecure or dangerous load can lead to a £100 fixed penalty and three points on the driver's licence. If the case goes to court, the fine can be much higher, and for goods vehicles there is no upper limit.

Government guidance for goods vehicle operators says loads should be strapped, netted or sheeted so they stay in place, whatever the weather or the way the vehicle is driven. Light materials such as cardboard can easily be blown off at speed if they are not covered or tied down.

How to report it

The A40 is one of the busiest roads into and out of London. It runs through Perivale, Greenford, Northolt and Hillingdon, and things that fall on its fast-moving lanes can be a serious hazard.

If something falling off a vehicle is putting people in immediate danger, or debris is blocking a live lane, call 999. Otherwise, report it to police on 101 or online. Where you can do so safely, note the vehicle's registration, the location and the time.