Q We are a building construc tion organization and we
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are considering buying a large mobile crane which will not comply with Construction and Use Regulations. Could we move it under the special types regulations if we buy it?
A The Motor Vehicles (Authori zation of Special Types) General Order 1973 authorizes, in Part III, vehicles carrying abnormal indivisibe loads and vehicles which are engineering plant to be used on a road. In this context, engineering plant includes a mobile crane which does not comply in all respects with the Construction and Use Regulations or the Track Laying Regulations. Regulation 21 lays down the restrictions on the use of engineering plant (and therefore mobile cranes as described).
Briefly, these are that such a vehicle must not travel at more than 12mph; that it shall be used on a road only to proceed from one place to another and not for the purpose of lifting or, transporting goods or burden; it shall not draw a trailer, it must be a wheeled or track laying vehicle; and notices of movement shall be given to the police and highway authorities in certain circumstances as well as obtaining approval for the movementirom the Department of the Environment if the vehicle exceeds 4.3 metres in width.
For the full restrictions which might apply to the movement of the vehicle you propose to acquire, you should obtain and read a copy of the Regulations quoted,