Slough Borough Council: 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. Visit the Highways Agency website for further details.

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:

Abnormal Loads Officer
Highways Engineering
Town Hall
Bath Road
Slough
SL1 3UQ

Email: abnormalloads@slough.gov.uk
Tel: 01753 875161
Fax: 01753 875660

Period of notice required for the various weight limits

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.