Abnormal Loads Group update

The group – which is a collective of trade bodies, operators and stakeholders – came together after businesses reported that some forces have been applying rules inconsistently, resulting in delays and increased costs.

Our work with the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) to update police guidance is a key mission with the aim for officers to be appropriately empowered to support businesses moving abnormal loads.

This includes setting out clear advice for officers on embargoes, notification timeframes and police escorts to help move loads – and we look forward to supporting its publication in the weeks ahead.

We will also work closely with the NPCC to review the impact of the guidance, and how effective escalation processes prove to be when hauliers report that police service provision has fallen short.

Longer term we are building momentum to drive legislative change governing the Special Types General Order (STGO) regulation that allows vehicles exceeding standard size and weight limits to be used on public roads.

The legislation hasn’t been reviewed for more than two decades during which time transport technologies, equipment, and standards have developed.

We believe an update of the legislation is overdue and we’re confident we have a clear case to campaign for it. Refreshed legislation would give police and industry the certainty and clarity they need to ensure these vital loads can be moved safely and most efficiently.

There is clear economic argument for driving these changes after our economic impact assessment last year found that the total costs of police restrictions on abnormal loads cost the UK economy £584 million per annum.

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