Weight Limits and Abnormal Loads
Abnormal loads
An abnormal load can be described as a vehicle that:
- carries more than 44 tonnes;
- has an axle load of more than 11.5 tonnes;
- is more than 3 metres wide;
- is more than 18.75 metres long.
Abnormal loads can be transported along any suitable road provided that the haulier complies with the current law and has gained consent from the Borough Council and the Police. The Abnormal Loads Officer then assesses the proposed route to ensure that restrictions due to low and weak bridges are avoided and thus the bridge stock is protected.
For the movement of abnormal loads that remain on the Motorway Network there is no need to notify the Borough Council. However, for such movements in addition to the Police abnormal load notices must be given to the Consultants who are appointed to maintain the Motorway Network for the Highways Agency. Contact is caroline.buck@mottmac.com and the abnormal loads are notified by fax on 01962 879 635.
Abnormal Load Criteria
Abnormal loads shall be notified to the relevant authority in accordance with the Road Vehicle (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 and its amendments. Such vehicles shall be governed by the ‘Motor Vehicles (Authorisation of Special Types) General Order 1979’.
Notices
Abnormal load transportation Notices and the Form of Indemnity should be sent to:
The Abnormal Loads Officer
Jacobs Babtie
School Green
Shinfield
Reading
Berkshire
RG2 9HL
Email: berks.abloads@jacobs.com
Tel : 0118 988 1634
Fax: 0118 988 1656
Period of Notice Required for the various Weight Limits
Summary of the period of notice required is as follows:
- Gross weight exceeding C&U limits up to 80,000kgs and axle weight up to 12,500kgs
2 clear working days notice - Gross weight exceeding 80,000kgs up to 150,000kgs and axle weight up to 15,000kgs
2 clear working days notice - Gross weight exceeding 150,000kgs and axle weight exceeding 15,000kgs
5 clear working days notice to the highway authority following issue of VR1 or BE16 notice by the Highways Agency. 8 weeks notice should be allowed to obtain this approval from the Highways Agency.
For late notices please contact the Abnormal Loads Officer to discuss further.
Sometimes the assessment costs associated with the structures and specific vehicles may be passed onto the haulier.
Weight Limits
Weight restrictions can be imposed for structural or environmental reasons and provide legal control over the weight of vehicles (within the Construction and Use Regulations limits) on certain roads. Abnormal load restrictions may be in place to protect the structure above the limit of the Construction and Use Regulations and the haulier will be advised following submission of the notification.
Height Limits
There is no statutory limit governing the height of a load and is not legally notifiable. However it is advisable to contact the Abnormal Loads Office and include these details within the notification. Structures where the permitted maximum vehicle height is less than 4.95 metres (16’3’’) are normally signed.
ESDAL
It is the Borough Council’s intention to fully adopt the ESDAL (Electronic Service Delivery of Abnormal Loads). For more information visit www.esdal.com
Police
For more details visit the Thames Valley Police website.
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