The Construction and Use (C&U) Regulations provide the basic
law by which normal motor vehicles and trailers (up to a maximum of
40 tonnes) are built and operate on the road.
The movement of large or heavy loads and cranes that exceed
dimensions set down in the C&U Regulations is permitted
provided they comply with Special Types General Orders (STGO).
These are generally referred to as Abnormal Loads.
An abnormal load can potentially go on any road provided the
haulier complies with the law including weight limits.
Some roads are more suitable and more extensively used e.g. A
Class Roads.
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Before a haulier can move an abnormal load, the law
requirees them to give a minumum of two days clear notice
to:
- The Police
- The Highway Authority
- All bridge owners along the proposed route. (e.g. Network
Rail).
1. The Police
Avon and Somerset Police can be contated on:
- Tel: 01275 816885
- Fax: 01225 816884
2. The Highway Authority All Public Roads (except Trunk Roads)
Bath and North East Somerset Council is the Highway Authority
responsible for all public roads except for the trunk roads.
In an emergency this Council will accept a lesser period
provided it is checked by telephone first and confirmed in
writing.
This Council can be contacted on:
- Tel: 01225 395236
- Fax: 01225 394338
Trunk Roads
Trunk roads are the responsibility of the Highway Agency, WS
Atkins (details at the bottom of this page).
WS Atkins can be contact on:
- Tel: 01454 617617
- Fax: 01454 618844
3. All bridge owners along the proposed route
e.g. Network Rail.
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Loads over 150 tonnes, 6.1 metres wide or 27.4 metres long need
Special Orders from the
Department for Transport.
The largest loads moved in recent years was a Gas Turbine for a
power station.
- The dimensions on the trailer were 80 metres long, 5.95 metres
wide, 5.84 metres high and weighed 432 tonnes pulled by two 40
tonne tractors.
