What Is Classed As An Abnormal Load In The UK
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- 03-05-2023

What is classed as an abnormal load in the UK? This article explains transporting abnormal loads and wide load lorry regulations in the UK. Rob Kestle Caravan Transportation provide wide load escort vehicle hire for Devon, Cornwall and South England. Find out more about transporting your wide load.
Transporting Abnormal Loads
The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 are what limit many escort vehicles according to the number of loads that they can carry across Great Britain and other countries.
No matter the overall length, width, or weight, many abnormally sized loads and items can be transported as such under the provisions outlined in the Motor Vehicle (Authorisation of Special Types) General Order 2003, which is typically known as STGO.
AILs (Abnormal Indivisible Loads) are those products or materials that cannot be divided across multiple vehicles on British roads due to the damage, risk or expense it may cause to do so. They also cannot be carried onto any vehicle as they often exceed the C&U regulations and statutory limits.
Most abnormal load transports are vehicles that consist of the following:
- They are of a weight higher than 44,000kg
- They have an axle load larger than 10,000kg
- It has a single, non-driving axle load of or larger than 11,500kg
- They have a single-driving axle with a width larger than 2.9 metres.
- It has a rigid length of more than 18.65 metres.
Number of Abnormal Loads
Typically, the regulations only allow one abnormal load to be transported at one time. Yet, the rules have extended to allow two or more of these overtly heavy, tall, or wide loads to be carried by one vehicle, as long as they are from the same location.
They can also be counted if they are of the same character, for example, if they are similar products, or if they are being delivered to the same place or site. We recommend your abnormal loads team keep a close eye on the requirements and Road Vehicle Regulations 1986.
Especially those referring to the Abnormal Indivisible Loads movement. You will find that the rules can change depending on different variables, such as height, weight, width, length, and speed limit.

When transporting an abnormal load from one country to another on UK roads, it's best to make yourself aware of all guidelines, so that you can efficiently comply. In many circumstances, you will have to provide a clear day's notice to local police. Additionally, alert the bridge and structure owners in all areas of travel.
Ensure they are aware of the weight you are carrying and all other vehicle details. It's best for them to know as soon as possible so that they can alert you of any possible route problems. Any vehicle can be exempt from weight-limited roads, for example, large agricultural vehicles, or conventional motor vehicles. As long as they provide a valid reason.
Load Weight
Special Type vehicles often have a maximum permissible weight of around 150 tonnes, yet you must always pay attention to the wheel and axle limits, as these are specific restrictions that cannot be exceeded.
Any C&U (Construction and Use) load that exceeds 78.74 tonnes (80,000kgs) must give a 2-day notice with regards to the Road and Bridge Authorities, as this ensures they have advanced warning. Vehicles with a gross weight that exceeds 147.63 tonnes (150,000kgs) will require a Highways England Special Order, 5 days of police notice and a 5-day notice to the Highway and Bridge Authorities.
Load Width
'Special Types' are vehicles that have a load width of around 2.9m. However, if the transported load is much larger, you must ensure it is safe and protected in the carriage. In these circumstances, it can be 6.1m in width.
If you wish to carry and transport any load with a width above 2.9m, we encourage you to provide police enforcement officers across the areas you travel through with a 2-day notice. If your vehicle's load exceeds 3.5m, you may require an attendant, alongside the notice.
For those with loads over 5m wide, you will need to request a Special Order from the Highways Agency. C&U Loads can be a width of around 9ft 6 inches (2.9m), yet cannot exceed 14ft 1 inch (4.3m). STGO Loads can have a width of 9ft 10 inches (3.0m), up to 16ft 5 inches (5.0m). Such would require a 2-day police notice.
Any vehicle loads with a width that exceeds 16ft 5 inches or 20ft will require a Highways England form VR1 submitted and a 2-day notice to the police. Finally, those with widths larger than 20ft (6.1m) will need a Highways Special Order, a 5-day notice to the police and the Road and Bridge Authorities.

Load Length
Some vehicles are regarded as 'Special Types', and any of these must not exceed the length of 30m, especially if they are transported among multiple trailers or long articulated vehicles. These will take up too much space and could result in accidents. The measurement and the dimension of 30m does not include the drawing vehicle used to carry goods from one location to the other. The C&U Regulations 1986 state that any length around 61ft 2 inches (18.65m) is ideal but it mustn't exceed 90ft (27.4m).
All STGO loads are referenced in the Road Vehicles (Authorisations of Special Types) Part 2 Article 12 section state that the load length must sit around 85ft (25.9m) and cannot exceed the maximum use, which is 98ft 5 inches (30.0m). More light NB loads mustn't exceed 10-12 tonnes, whether these include yacht masts transferred to motor vehicles.
However, if they do exceed such gross weights, you may require a Highways England Special Order that displays a maximum of 89ft 11 inches (27.4m). The police in the local areas of your route will need a 5-day advance notice to comply with the existing Road and Bridge Authorities and the Vehicle Certification Agency.
Wide Load Lorry Regulations UK
The Weight: It is known that if a load weighs up to 44 tonnes, it will likely be subject to a few restrictions. If you own a non-driving axle mustn't harness loads higher than 10 tons.
However, driving axles can carry approximately 11 tons worth of products, items, and materials. We highly recommend selecting a suitable vehicle that can successfully carry and transport the heavy loads that you need safely.
The Height: When it comes to any legal height limit, the UK has no such rules in place. Often vehicles around 4.9m in height can transport heavy loads on some routes. Yet, we must remember that some bridges are of a much lower height range.
Whilst it can be a large financial commitment, we encourage all company drivers to invest in a range of fully permitted vehicles that can sustain various authorised weights. When you have a wide collection, you can choose to travel with the ones that fit your route best. For example, if your trip consists of high bridges, then you can successfully plan for high loads.
The Length: Artic lorries can be a maximum length of 18.65m

The Width: The maximum width is around 2.9m.
The Speed Limit: You'll find that across England and Wales, many special purpose vehicles are restricted to driving at 60mph on the motorway or dual carriageway. On the other hand, Special Types Vehicles on a single carriageway must stick to 50mph. Those driving through areas with built-up traffic should stay within the 30mph mark.
In Scotland, if you're driving a vehicle weighing over 7.5 tonnes you must drive at a speed of 50mph on dual carriageways. 40mph on single-carriageways, and 60mph on motorways.
The Trunk Road Network in Scotland offers a few similarities, so it may be best to research the regulations once you find out the route you are taking.
Doing so is ideal for future use of scheduled moves, alongside all personal and financial information involved in the transporting process.
Are you looking for wide load escort vehicle hire for Devon, Cornwall and South West England? Contact us for caravan & abnormal load transportation.