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M slams new code of practice for omitting time restrictions
Page 7
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HEAVY GOODS operators have hit out at the AA's claim that abnormal loads are being moved during peak traffic periods, adding to motorway congestion.
The AA warns that a new code of practice on abnormal load escorts, drawn up by the Highways Agency and other interested parties, fails to lay down time restrictions for abnormal load operators.
The guidelines, introduced in January 2004, follow the handing over of the job of escorting abnormal loads from the police to private companies.
Paul Watters, head of roads and transport policy for the AA Motoring Trust, says: "We are concerned that the proposed code does not include any time restrictions. With over 1.5 million abnormal loads on English and Welsh roads each year. motorists do not want to be stuck behind them in rush-hour jams.They will want these types of loads transported when the roads are relatively free of traffic."
The Highways Agency claims that the AA's assertion is -misleading". It says: -Existing legislation already gives the police and Highways Agency the power to control the timing of abnormal load movements, hence it was not included in the code of practice. Under existing legislation hauliers are required to notify the police and highway authorities before an abnormal load is moved."
Tony Lovell. MD of Southampton-based Convoi Exceptionnel, believes the freedom to plan traffic movements without police intervention has actually reduced congestion: "Formerly we had to inform the police and wait for an escort, but they were often tied up on other matters like burglaries. Now we are in charge of our own destinies it is a lot better."
Convoi recently moved several 40x5m wind generators for a Dagenham power plant. "We moved at about lam and there wasn't a car behind us," says Lovell.