Abnormal loads - movement on public highways

Abnormal loads regulations

An 'abnormal load' is a vehicle that has any of the following:

• a weight of more than 44,000 kilograms
• an axle load of more than 10,000 kilograms for a single non-driving axle and 11,500 kilograms for a single driving axle
• a width of more than 2.9 metres
• a rigid length of more than 18.65 metres
• A height of vehicle is greater than 5.03m.

For full guidance see the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency Special types of enforcement guide

Details to supply

Specific details that the haulier or crane operator must supply for each abnormal load movement are:

• Vehicle length, width, height, axle loadings and axle spacing's
• Nature of the load;
• Address for the 'Point of Departure' and �Point of Destination
• The proposed route between these points

The haulier or crane operator must also provide an indemnity to each highway authority and bridge owner before the vehicle is moved to protect the authority in the event of any damage being caused to one of their highway structures on the route.

Notification timescales

Before moving an abnormal load hauliers and crane operators must give:

• minimum of two days' notice
• minimum of five days' notice - If any vehicle or vehicle combination has a gross weight greater than 80 tonnes

(These do not include Saturdays, Sundays or Bank Holidays)

Leeds City Council operate a �short notice� movement request policy which is to used when it is proposed to deviate from the notification periods set in the STGO legislation. This policy requires hauliers to contact the abnormal loads team by telephone before making the movement. After 3 pm details may be left on the answer machine so that the team can take action the next working day. If your movement is for the next day then it should not take place until you have received verbal authorisation from a member of the abnormal loads team.

Notification of abnormal loads

You must notify the Leeds City Council, Abnormal Loads Officer of abnormal loads in the Kirklees Council area.

Download and complete the following:-

• Notification form
• Indemnity form
• Abnormal loads factsheet

Contact details: