Abnormal loads
Page 64
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FOLLOWING on from my previous articles on forward and rearward projecting loads, let us now look into the requirements for abnormally long, wide and heavy loads. It must be made clear that two distinct types of vehicles must be considered: first, normal vehicles used under the Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations and secondly those used for abnormal indivisible loads under the Motor Vehicles (Authorisation of Special Types) General Order 1966.
An abnormal indivisible load means a load (a) which cannot without undue expense or risk of damage be divided into two or more loads for the purpose of carriage on the roads; and (b) which (i) owing to its dimensions, cannot be carried by a heavy motorcar or trailer or a combination of a heavy motorcar and trailer complying in all respects with the requirements of the Construction and Use Regulations, or Iii) owing to its weight cannot be carried by a heavy motorcar or trailer or combination of a heavy motorcar and trailer having a total laden weight of less than 24 tons and complying in all respects with the requirements of the Construction and Use Regulations.
Dealing first with the normal-type vehicle
used under the Construction and Use Regulations the following is a summary of the main requirements:—
Width
(1) No load can be carried on a vehicle where the overall width of the vehicle together with the width of any lateral (sideways) projection or projections exceed 14ft.
(2) No load can be carried which has a lateral projection exceeding 1ft. or where the load exceeds a width of 9ft. 6in. except if the load is an indivisible one and the police have been given notice, or if it consists of loose agricultural produce not baled or crated.
Length Rigid length means the length of a single vehicle and its load or of any number of vehicles on which a single load rests. e.g. a series of dolly trailers and that load.
(1) Where the rigid length is more than 90ft. the movement by a normal vehicle is prohibited.
(2) Where the rigid length is more than 60ft. an attendant must be employed and the police informed.
(3) Where the length of a combination of vehicles is more than 85ft. an attendant must be employed and the police informed.
Weight Vehicles used under the Construction and Use Regulations may only be used to carry loads which bring them within their permitted laden weight. Now to consider vehicles operated under the Special Types Order.
Length The overall length of vehicles, together with their load, must not exceed 90ft. Where the overall rigid length exceeds 50ft. the police must be given notice of the movement of the vehicle and if it exceeds 60ft. in length an attendant must also be employed. Where the overall length of a combination of vehicles exceeds 85ft. the police must be informed and an attendant carried.
Width
If the width exceeds 9ft. 6in. two attendants in addition to the driver must be carried and the police informed. If it exceeds aft. but not 9ft. 6in. a mate is required but the police need not be notified unless the vehicle is to be used where tramcars are operated. Where the overall width exceeds 14ft. approval of the Ministry of Transport is required before the vehicle can be used, two attendants are needed and the police must be informed. No vehicle may be used which exceeds 20ft. in width.
Weight
No vehicle which, together with its load, weighs more than 150 tons may be used on a road. Where the total weight exceeds 75 tons police notification is necessary and highway and bridge authorities must be informed and an indemnity given to them.