Abnormal loads

An LGV is a vehicle that weighs over 3,500 kg (3 and a half tonnes).

 

Drivers will need a different licence entitlement to drive different types of buses, coaches and lorries. Drivers must hold full (not provisional) category B entitlement (car) before they can take an LGV or PCV test . They must also gain a full category entitlement for a vehicle before taking a second test to add the trailer entitlement (+E). No additional entitlement is required to tow trailers that weigh less than 750 kg. If at any stage the driver loses their car licence entitlement, they will also automatically lose their LGV or PCV (Passenger Carrying Vehicle) licence.

 

Every person intending to use a goods vehicle (above 3.5 tonnes) in connection with any trade or business carried out by him, or a Passenger Carrying Vehicle on a road, for hire or reward, must apply to the Traffic Commissioner for an operator licence. The role of Traffic Commissioners is to promote road safety and the safety of the travelling public.

 

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), on behalf of the Traffic Commissioners, maintain the Operator Licensing scheme. DVSA process all Operator Licence applications. The DVSA website includes comprehensive guidance on how to apply and manage licence details, which can now be changed electronically.

 

Further information can be obtained from either the DVLA or the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DSVA).

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 2003 (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).

You must notify each Chief Officer of Police and Highways and Bridges Authority, through which the load is intending 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, haulers 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 NPCC / Highways Agency code of practice which can be found on the Highways Agency website, see related information.

Loads overhanging the front and rear of a vehicle

The table below is a summary of the requirements applicable to loads overhanging the front and rear of a vehicle.

Length of Projection	Action if load projects rearwards	Action if load projects forwards
Not exceeding 1 metre	No requirements specified	No requirements specified
More than 1 metre, but not exceeding 2 metres	End must be made clearly visible	No requirements specified
More than 2 metres, but not exceeding 3.05 metres.	Marker boards required	· Attendant required · Marker boards required
Exceeding 3.05 metres	· Two clear working days notice to Police   · Attendant required   · Marker boards required	· Two clear working days notice to Police   · Attendant required   · Marker boards required

Racing boats propelled by oars and certain other vehicles have slightly different requirements.

Loads overhanging the side/s of a vehicle

The table below is a summary of the requirements applicable to loads carried by vehicles under the Construction and Use regulations. 

Load Projection or Overall Width Action required	Load Projection or Overall Width Action required
Over 305mm lateral projection on either side.	· Two clear working days notice to Police · Marker boards front and rear · Additional lights required during hours of darkness or poor visibility
More than 2.9 metres, but not exceeding to 3.5 metres overall width	· Two clear working days notice to Police · Marker boards front and rear · Additional lights required during hours of darkness or poor visibility.
More than 3.5 metres, but not exceeding to 4.3 metres overall width	· Two clear working days notice to Police · Attendant required · Marker boards front and rear · Additional lights required during hours of darkness or poor visibility.

There are different requirements for the carrying of loads by vehicles such as vehicles for haulage, agriculture, lifting etc.  

If you would like further information in relation to overhanging loads please see the link below:

Department of Transport - Overhanging Loads: Guidance

Offences

Please be aware that even if you comply with the above requirements if the load is unsafe/insecure or if your vehicle is overweight, you could be prosecuted.