Notification of Abnormal Load Movements

Under the Road Traffic Act, road haulage companies are required to notify highway authorities, bridge owners etc about the movement of abnormal loads.

An abnormal load (special order) is defined as anything which does not comply with the Construction and Use (C + U) Regulations. The C + U Regulations cover axle arrangements and loads for "normal vehicles", i.e. cars up to heavy goods vehicles and wagons up to 44 tonnes GVW, 11.5 tonnes axle load, max.

All abnormal load movement notifications in Greater Manchester are dealt with by Manchester City Council on behalf of all 10 Metropolitan Districts including Tameside. A small number of very heavy or bulky load movements are referred back to the individual Authority for further advice.

Guidance will be given on preferred routes subject to the type and size of the load.

The carrying capacity of bridge structures along the route will be checked.

It remains the haulage companies responsibility to check the proposed route prior to departure for road works and street furniture obstructions.

The Government has employed Serco Ltd., to produce a national internet web based site for abnormal load movement notification and advise. It is currently envisaged that this will go online in the summer of 2006. Contact Serco Ltd by email generalenquiries@serco.com for more information.

Contacts:

Manchester City Council, Town Hall, Albert Square, Manchester M60 2LA
0161 455 2258 0161 455 2151

or

Contact Information
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0161 342 2936