Q As a driver of abnormal loads I get somewhat confused
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over whether I need a police escort or not. Some forces insist on escorting while others let me travel without one.
Gil, Glasgow AAbnormal loads are governed by the Motor Vehicles (Authorisation of Special Types) General Order 1979 and this applies to loads in excess of 12.2 metres long or 2.4 metres wide or 2.4 metres high. The maximum authorised gross weight remains 38 tonnes and anything in excess of these dimensions is classified as "abnormal".
Notification of the movement of such loads has to be made to the chief officer of police for each police area through which it passes at least two clear days before the movement. However, the police have discretion to allow for less notice
and discretion is really the answer to your query.
Normally police escorts are provided at widths over 4.1 metres, weights over 100 tonnes, lengths over 18.3 metres with rear steering. Having said that, this is where discretion comes into play.
The police have responsibility for road safety and have total power to direct when, where and how the load moves and whether they will escort or not. This will depend on the type of load, route, and whether it passes road works. A load on a rural motorway might not be a problem but in a narrow street it could be chaotic. The rule is to always contact the police who will then assess the type of load and decide if you need help or whether you can carry on.