Equipment testing and verification

Before using weighing or measuring equipment for trade, it must be tested and verified as correct. The initial verification must be done by an Approved Body. Worcestershire County Council cannot conduct the initial verification, but we can do re-verification if the equipment has been repaired or recalibrated.

Verification fees 

Fees as of April 2024 to March 2025:

• inspector only (minimum 30 minutes): £62.52 per hour
• inspector and assistant (minimum 30 minutes): £99.88 per hour
• types of equipment charged:
  • weighing machines
  • linear measures
  • liquid fuel measuring instruments (up to 100 litres)

Additional info:

• the fee is based on actual time spent on-site (travel time is free)
• after-hours work (evenings, Saturdays) costs 25% more; Sundays and Bank Holidays cost 50% more
• travel costs apply for verifications outside Worcestershire
• if equipment isn’t available within 30 minutes of the appointment time, a "waiting time" fee will be charged
• if an appointment is missed without prior notice, the full cost of dispatching the verification team will be charged

Public weighbridges

Worcestershire has a list of public weighbridges. Contact the weighbridge in advance to confirm its opening hours.

Weighbridge Operator Certificates

Anyone operating a public weighbridge, for a fee, must have a certificate from the Chief Inspector of Weights and Measures.

Worcestershire Trading Standards Service handles the exams and certificates under the Weights and Measures Act 1985. A certificate will cost £85. 

More details on your responsibilities as a weighbridge operator can be viewed in the Guide for Public Weighbridges Operator (PDF).

Further information on your requirements to be a public weighbridge operator can be found in the Requirements to be a Public Weighbridges Operator (PDF).

Make a weights and measures request