Abnormal Loads

The Council's Structures Team checks proposed heavy load movements across bridges and roads within Bath and North East Somerset, with the exception of lengths of the A36 and A46 trunk roads shown in yellow on the Abnormal Loads Route Map.

What is an abnormal load?

An abnormal load is a vehicle carrying more than 44 tonnes, an axle load of more than 11.5 tonnes, more than 3 metres wide or more than 18.75 metres long.

What is the notice period?

Before a haulier moves an abnormal load, the law requires them to give a minimum of two clear days of notice. 'Clear days' excludes Saturdays, Sundays, Bank Holidays, Christmas Day and Good Friday. The notice period increases as the vehicle size and weight increases.

Depending on the gross weight and dimensions of the load and the intended route, the following need to be informed of movements:

  • Highway Authority, Bath & North East Somerset Council (with the exception of motorways and lengths of the A36 and A46 Trunk Roads shown in yellow on the Abnormal Loads Route Map)
  • Highways England
  • All bridge owners along the route - for instance Network Rail
  • Avon and Somerset Police
  • Department for Transport

Links to the above websites can be found in the 'Other Websites' section of this page.

Where can they be moved?

The principal abnormal load routes within Bath & North East Somerset Council are shown on the Abnormal Loads Route Map. Although this map may be used for the purposes of planning, all abnormal load movements require the above notifications to be made.

Please provide us with the following information:

  • Origin and destination of abnormal load
  • Dates of journey
  • Proposed route
  • Full configuration of vehicle - loads, width, weight, length, height, axle loading and spacing
  • Vehicle Registration
  • Contact details

How to Contact Bath & North East Somerset Council for Abnormal Loads

Telephone: 01225 395236
Email: abnormal_loads@bathnes.gov.uk

Further general information can be found on the Department for Transport's and Highways England's websites. These can both be found by clicking on the appropriate link in the Links box on the right-hand side of this page.

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