Road weight limits and abnormal loads

Restrictions can be imposed for structural or for environmental reasons.

Weight limits

The restriction prevents large vehicles from using inappropriate roads, routes and areas in order to:

• Reduce danger to pedestrians and other road users
• Prevent damage to buildings, roads and bridges
• Preserve the character, amenity and environment of an area
• Reduce and manage congestion on the roads
• Procedures for implementation
• Restrictions are subject to a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO)

Regulatory signs are erected on site to give effect to the TRO and to assist the police in carrying out enforcement

For information, advice and queries please contact the Transport Planning Team.

Abnormal loads

Abnormal loads are large or heavy loads (for example those with a gross weight exceeding 40 tonnes, a width of over 2.9m or a length of over 18.65m). Before a haulier can move such a load, they must notify and gain consent from the police.

In addition, if the gross weight or axle weights exceed those specified on the ‘Construction and Use’ regulations, they must indemnify the highway authority and all bridge owners along the proposed route.

An abnormal load can potentially go on any road provided the haulier complies with the law, however some roads are more suitable and extensively used, such as A class roads.

Notice periods

The law requires the haulier to give a minimum of two clear days notice to the police, highway authority and bridge owners before moving the load.

The notice period for loads over 150 tonnes, 6.1 metres wide or 27.4 metres long is different. Hauliers moving such loads need special orders and full details of the notification requirements for large and heavy loads can be obtained from the Department for Transport.