Abnormal loads are defined in The Road Vehicles (Authorisation of Special Types) (General) Order 2003 and Subsequent Amendment Orders as any vehicle which exceeds at least one of the following limits:

• Over 40/44 tonne gross weight
• Over 5.03 metres high
• Over 3.0 metres wide
• Over 28.0 metres long (If a rigid vehicle – maximum allowable is 18.75 metres) 

Our responsibilities 

We, as highway authority, are responsible for authorising all abnormal load vehicle movements using council maintained roads – not trunk roads.

Notification of abnormal loads should be received by fax or email, two to five days in advance of the proposed movement. Please contact us using the details below. Details of the proposed movement will be checked against records of bridge height and weight restrictions, and route suitability.