Overview
- Essex Police pulled over a car leaving a car boot sale after spotting a piled‑high, unsecured roof load that included a large pink unicorn.
- A check found the MOT had expired, a headlight was taped in place, the front bumper was held by a bungee cord, the front number plate was missing, only one brake light worked, and the driver had no seatbelt.
- Officers warned that heavy roof stacks raise a car’s centre of gravity, which makes steering harder and increases the chance of a loss of control.
- The force urged drivers to check vehicle and roof‑rack weight limits, spread loads evenly, secure items properly, avoid stacking too high, and make multiple trips if needed.
- Police said this was routine prevention work to keep roads safe, with local coverage reporting no injuries or prosecutions from the stop.