Police were left stunned after pulling over a driver who was caught with a large hay bale balanced precariously on the back of a pick-up truck.
Officers from West Mercia Police spotted the dangerously overloaded vehicle on the A435 in Redditch, Worcestershire, on Sunday.
Cops said the loose bale which was rolling around in the back could have had "terrifying consequences", and that it almost fell out the back of the truck when it was stopped.
The force's Operations Patrol Unit took to Twitter to share images showing the huge unfastened bundle of hay towering above the vehicle.
They wrote: "The large bale of hay was not secured in any way and almost rolled out when we stopped the vehicle!
"The consequences of this hitting a pedestrian or cyclist are terrifying.
"Driver reported for the offence."
Web users took to social media to mock the motorist with one writing "Clutching at straws for excuses", while another added: "Hopefully the driver isn't baled for this offence."
Another put: "Jokes aside, this is crazily dangerous. Not only to pedestrians or cyclists but to other road users."
A third put: "New year, same idiots on our roads. What an absolute tool."
One person commented: "Idiot. There can be a lot of weight behind these bales. If they come off at speed, they can be very dangerous."
Another wrote on Facebook: "No tailgate? That’s no good. These bales are heavy. Hitting one at any speed would wreck a vehicle too."
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