Abnormal loads

The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1988 (C&U) provide the basic law by which normal motor vehicles and trailers are built and operate on the road.

The movement of large or heavy loads that exceed dimensions set down in the C&U Regulations is permitted provided they comply with The Road Vehicles (Authorisation of Special Types) (General) Order 1998 (STGO). These are generally referred to as Abnormal Loads.

An abnormal indivisible load is one, which cannot, without undue expense or risk of damage, be divided into 2 or more loads, for the purpose of carriage, and on account of its length, width, height or weight cannot be carried on a normal vehicle.

The dimensions of an abnormal load are as follows:

Width -

• C & U Regs and STGO - Over 305 mm overhang on either side.
• C & U Regs – Over 2.9 metres overall width.
• STGO – Over 3metres overall width.

Length -

• C & U Regs – Over 18.65 metres rigid length.
• STGO – Over 18.75 metres rigid length.
• C & U and STGO – Over 25.9 metres overall length.
• C & U and STGO – Over 3.05 metres overhang (Load) to front or rear.

Weight -

• C & U and STGO – Exceeding authorised weight for that class of vehicle (Generally 44 tonnes).

Before an abnormal load can be transported on a road the operator has to comply with the conditions of the following legislation:

• The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986,
• The Road Vehicles (Authorised Weights) Regulations 1998,
• The Road Vehicles (Authorisation of Special Types) (General) Order 2003

The driver must notify the Police and in addition, if the gross weight or axle weights exceed those specified in the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, he must indemnify the Highway Authority and all bridge owners along the proposed route.

If the load exceeds any of the following widths or lengths or 80 tonnes gross weight – Two days notice is required by the Police.

Width:

• C & U and STGO – Over 305 mm overhang on either side
• C & U – Over 2.9 metres overall width
• STGO – Over 3 metres overall length

Length:

• C & U – Over 18.65 metres rigid length
• STGO – Over 18.75 metres rigid length
• C & U and STGO – Over 25.9 metres overall length
• C & U and STGO – Over 3.05 metres overhang to front or rear

If the abnormal load exceeds the maximum authorised weight for its class of vehicle (normally 44 tones) but does not exceed 80 tonnes gross weight, the movement requires two clear days notice (with indemnity) to the Highways and Bridges Authorities.

If the load exceeds 80 tonnes, five clear days notice (with indemnity) is required to the Highways and Bridges Authorities.

Generally, there are no restrictions on when an abnormal load can be moved. However, most Police forces will restrict the hours when loads can be moved. Normally they will be prohibited during the hours of darkness and at peak-traffic periods.

You must notify each Chief Officer of Police and Highways and Bridges Authority, through which the load is intended to travel.

The details of the load, vehicle and intended route can be faxed, emailed or posted to the relevant authorities. A website has been developed by the Highways Agency for plotting and notification of all abnormal loads. A link to the ESDAL (Electronic Service Delivery for Abnormal Loads) website is provided on the right-hand side of this page.

The Police no longer routinely escort abnormal loads, however, it is best to check with individual Police forces as to their requirements, as this may differ from force to force. This should be agreed at the time of notification.

With the exception of the very largest loads, hauliers are permitted to provide their own escort vehicles. Generally, some form of escort will be required, (taking account of the width, speed and weight of the load), particularly on motorways and on dual carriageways.

Private escorts do not have any powers to control traffic. An escort is provided for the purpose of giving warning to the driver of that vehicle or combination, and to any other person, of any danger likely to be caused by the presence on the road of that vehicle, combination or load.

The escort and vehicle must comply with the ACPOS / Highways Agency code of practice which can be found on the Highways Agency website, see the Related Information.