Abnormal Loads

When hauliers wish to carry a wide or heavy load which is above 40 tonnes gross weight, all of the local authorities through which it will pass must be informed in advance.

The Police and any bridge owners, for example, Network Rail, along the proposed route should also be informed. In the case of more extreme abnormal load requests, authorisation is required from central government in the form of a traffic order.

Notice periods

The law requires the haulier to give a minimum of two clear days notice to the Police, the council and bridge owners before moving the abnormal load.

The notice period for loads over 150 tonnes, 6.1 metres wide or 27.4 metres long is different and hauliers moving such loads need special orders from the Department of Transport to move loads of this size.

For full details of the notification requirements for large and heavy loads, please visit the Department of Transport website.

Notifying the council

To notify the council of abnormal load movements on the council's roads and bridges, please use the contact details below.

You will need to provide details of the load and the proposed route by fax.

Electronic Service Delivery for Abnormal Loads

ESADL - Electronic Service Delivery for Abnormal Loads - will deliver a more efficient way of managing the movement of abnormal loads in the UK, by streamlining the process of notifying an abnormal load movement, and maintaining an accurate and up-to-date database of contact and structure information. For more information see the ESDAL Project website.

Who to contact

For further information, please contact:

Thillaivasan Jeeva
Tel: 020 7926 0680
Fax:020 7926 2357
Email: jthillaivasan@lambeth.gov.uk