Abnormal load notifications

You must notify us and other relevant authorities (for example, the police and Network Rail) if you want to move an abnormal load through Cheshire East. 

Abnormal load rules

The rules for moving abnormal loads are set out in The Road Vehicles (Authorisation of Special Types) (General) Order 2003, often called the STGO.

You can read the full legislation here: View the STGO legislation (opens in a new window)

Why do these rules exist?

Some vehicles carry very large, heavy or unusual loads. These loads can put extra pressure on roads and bridges, or affect other road users.

The STGO rules require transport companies (hauliers) to tell highway authorities, bridge authorities and the police before moving certain loads. This gives authorities time to check that the route is safe and suitable.

What is an abnormal load?

An abnormal load is a load that is too large or heavy to be split into smaller parts without causing damage or creating unreasonable costs.

These are often called Abnormal Indivisible Loads (AILs).

Examples include:

• Large construction equipment
• Wind turbine parts
• Heavy machinery
• Mobile cranes
• Some recovery vehicles and engineering plant

A load is usually classed as abnormal if:

• The vehicle weighs more than 44 tonnes (44,000kg)
• The vehicle is more than 3 metres wide
• The vehicle is longer than 18.75 metres
• A mobile crane has an axle weight of more than 12,000kg

How do transport companies notify authorities?

Before moving an abnormal load, the haulier must send an abnormal load notification.

The notification must include:

• Which authorities have been notified
• The company's contact details
• Details of the journey, including the route, dates and times
• Information about the load being carried
• Details of the vehicle, including its size, weight and registration number

Full notification requirements can be found on UK Government website - (opens in a new window)

How much notice is needed?

The amount of notice depends on the size and weight of the load.

Heavy loads

• Up to 80 tonnes – at least 2 clear working days' notice to highway and bridge authorities.
• Between 80 and 150 tonnes – at least 5 clear working days' notice to highway and bridge authorities and 2 clear working days' notice to the police.
• Over 150 tonnes – a special application is required, usually with 8 weeks' notice.

Wide loads

• Between 3 and 5 metres wide – at least 2 clear working days' notice to the police.
• Between 5 and 6.1 metres wide – at least 10 days' notice plus police notification.
• Over 6.1 metres wide – a special application is required, usually with 8 weeks' notice.

Long loads

• Longer than 18.75 metres – at least 2 clear working days' notice to the police.
• Very long loads may require a special application and up to 8 weeks' notice.

What is a clear working day?

A clear working day does not include:

• Weekends
• Bank holidays

Insurance and indemnities

The STGO requires hauliers to provide an indemnity to highway and bridge authorities. This means the haulier agrees to cover certain costs if damage is caused during the movement of the load.

An indemnity can cover:

• A single journey, or
• A full year of abnormal load movements

More information can be found on UK Government website - (opens in a new window)

Short-notice movements

Sometimes a haulier may need to move a load without giving the usual amount of notice.

In these cases, Cheshire East Council may accept a shorter notice period if the haulier contacts the council first. This allows the proposed route to be checked before the journey takes place.

Moving an abnormal load in Cheshire East

If you are planning to move an abnormal load within Cheshire East, you should submit your notification before the journey takes place by emailing:

cheshireeast@abloads.com

Contact us

Abnormal Loads Officer
Cheshire East Council Abnormal Load Service
c/o Cascade Software
Brixbury House
Down Lane
Compton
Surrey
GU3 1DQ

Telephone: 01483 811822
Opening hours:

• Monday to Thursday: 9am to 5pm
• Friday: 9am to 4pm

Email: cheshireeast@abloads.com