Abstract: A device comprises for sensing or measuring loads, especially transient loads, such as a load imposed by a wheel of a vehicle driving over the device. The device comprises two electrically conductive plates and an intermediate dielectric and elastomeric or elastic material. In a central plane of the dielectric material a series of threads of steel wire is embedded. Said threads are connected together electrically at one end. At least two spaced capacitor electrodes are constituted by one plate and said threads. The dielectric and elastomeric material is adapted to be engaged by the load and the variation in the capacitance is linearly proportional to the magnitude of the applied load. The two plates are pressed towards each other in order to cause a mechanical preloading of the intermediate material in order to give said linear proportionality.