The UK's biggest sawmill company was fined last week for transporting timber across a busy road in a dangerous manner.

Health and Safety officers say the way the timber was loaded meant the operator's view from his forklift was partly obstructed and he was only able to see Lochaber Road through a 3-inch gap, The Press and Journal reported.

BSW Timber Ltd of Corpach pleaded guilty at Fort William Sheriff Court to allowing the use of the forklift for packaging and distribution although visibility was obstructed, and was fined GBP700 (USD1,095).

Sheriff Derek O'Carroll said he considered the offence to be at the top end of the scale but was restricted from ordering a heavier penalty because the maximum that could be imposed was GBP1,000 (USD1,564).

"Anyone could see that it was dangerous," he said.