Abnormal loads: When and who you need to notify
In this section:
| 1. What is an abnormal load? |
| 2. When and who you need to notify |
| 3. How to notify |
| 4. Other information |
How far in advance you need to tell someone, and who you need to tell, depends on the type, weight, width and length of the load.
The dimensions and weights of vehicles used on British roads are regulated by the:
- Road Vehicles (Construction & Use) Regulations 1986 (C&U)
- Road Vehicles (Authorised Weight) Regulations 1998 (AW)
- Road Vehicles (Authorisation of Special Types) (General) Order 2003 (STGO).
In the tables below we use C&U and STGO to refer to limits set by these rules. Which C&U or STGO limits apply to you depends on the type and specifications of your vehicle.
|
Total weight of vehicle including the load |
Notification requirements |
|---|---|
|
Over C&U limit up to 80,000kg (78.74 ton). |
Two working days notice with indemnity to road and bridge authorities. |
|
80,000kg to 150,000kg (147.63 ton). |
Five working days notice with indemnity to road and bridge authorities. Two working days notice to the police. |
|
Over 150,000kg (147.63 ton) |
Five working days notice with indemnity to road and bridge authorities. Five working days notice to the police. National Highways special order. You should apply at least 10 weeks in advance. National Highways recommend you apply as early as possible. Approval is not automatic. |
|
Width |
Notification requirements |
|---|---|
|
C&U loads: over 2.9m (9ft 6ins) up to 4.3m (14ft 1 ins) wide STGO loads: over 3.0m (9ft 10ins) up to 5.0m (16ft 5ins) wide |
Two working days notice to police. |
|
Over 5.0m (16ft 5ins) up to 6.1m (20ft) wide |
Two working days notice to police. National Highways form VR1. You should apply at least two weeks in advance. Highways England recommend you apply as early as possible. Approval is not automatic. |
|
Over 6.1m (20ft) |
Five working days notice to police. Five working days notice with indemnity to road and bridge authorities. National Highways special order. You should apply at least 10 weeks in advance. National Highways recommend you apply as early as possible. Approval is not automatic. |
|
Length |
Notification requirements |
|---|---|
|
C&U loads: over 18.65m (61ft 2in) up to 27.4m (90ft) long STGO loads: over 18.75m (61ft 6 ins) long |
Two working days notice to police. |
|
Overall length of a vehicle combination over 25.9m (85ft) |
Two working days notice to police. |
|
Over 30.0m (98ft 5ins) Also some very light loads, for example yacht masts:
|
Five working days notice to police. Five working days notice with indemnity to road and bridge authorities. National Highways special order. You should apply at least 10 weeks in advance. National Highways recommend you apply as early as possible. Approval is not automatic. |