Abnormal Loads – industry welcomes police commitment to improve consistency

The group – spearheaded by the RHA and including a number of trade bodies, stakeholders and operators – is working closely with the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) as they update guidance for officers.

This is a key piece of work – heavily informed by industry on key issues firms are facing with inconsistent police service on supporting abnormal load movements. The Group has offered a wealth of evidence that some forces’ operational decisions have added unnecessary costs, delays and uncertainty to abnormal loads movements with the knock-on effects these have for other sectors and the wider economy.

The ALG commissioned an independent economic impact assessment last year which concluded that the total costs in terms of economic output, measured as Gross Added Value (GVA), stands at up to £584 million per annum.

Richard Smith, RHA Managing Director, said:

“We are in regular dialogue with the NPCC on their progress to improve consistency and we’d like to thank Chief Superintendent Marc Clothier for acknowledging the issues hauliers and others face, and the critical role they have supporting communities and driving economic growth.

“We will continue to collaborate with the NPCC and will feedback to ongoing reviews of the operational picture for businesses who move or rely on abnormal loads.

“We’re pleased that individual forces are engaging with the ALG on specific operational issues – we will continue to work with them on improving consistency.”

The Abnormal Loads Group is supported by a cross section of leading industry trade bodies including RHA, Heavy Transport Association, National Caravan Council (NCC) and British Holiday & Home Parks Association.

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