Senior police officers have issued new guidance on the movement of abnormal loads following collaboration with industry experts

The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), in collaboration with the Abnormal Loads Group (ALG), has today released new national guidance to support police forces in the management of abnormal load movements across the UK.  The new guidance marks a significant step forward in improving coordination, transparency, and efficiency for both law enforcement and the transport industry.

This landmark document reflects extensive consultation with the transport and logistics sectors and is designed to ensure a safer and more predictable operating environment for the movement of abnormal loads, while also supporting the operational requirements of police forces.

Key highlights of the new NPCC guidance include:

• 30-Day Window Acceptance
• Clarification on Embargoes
• Targeted Embargo Approach
• Police Escorts and Legal Authority

NPCC spokesperson said:

“This new guidance is a testament to what can be achieved through close collaboration between law enforcement and industry.  It brings greater clarity to both police forces and operators, reducing unnecessary administrative burdens and focusing resources where they are truly needed.”

ALG spokesperson said:

“We’re delighted that the NPCC has listened and understand that this guidance is an economic enabler and we look forward to continuing to work with them collaboratively going forward.

“We recognise that police have an incredibly challenging job to do and abnormal loads movements are a specialism.  It’s only right that officers across all forces have the most up-to-date guidance that will help them support operators moving abnormal loads.

“This will also give infrastructure project leaders and hauliers the certainty that they will have a consistent service from officers when they require their support.”

The NPCC has agreed that the guidance will be subject of ongoing review and amendment, so it remains fit for purpose.

HTA spokesperson said:

"The HTA welcomes that the guidance now encourages police forces to explore the benefits of accrediting selected private escorts under CSAS to direct traffic for the purposes of escorting an abnormal load with limited but targeted powers.  The HTA has long believed that this will be a positive move to help drive compliance in the industry, provide greater flexibility, and ease the burden on many police forces.  The association are keen to ensure that these powers should be piloted in a controlled and monitored way in order to establish best practice.  To this end the HTA SAbLE project team have been in discussion with a number of police forces about controlled pilots (in liaison with NPCC). Police forces wishing to explore joining these pilots should eMail HTAadmin@heavytransportassociation.org.uk."

A formal review will take place twelve months after publication.

 -ends-

HTA Special Open Meeting - Updated NPCC Abnormal Loads Guidance

Contributions of evidence/information from members/non-members has been a vital tool in presenting facts to authorities and it is felt that the matter has sufficient importance to take the unprecedented decision to hold a special 'open' meeting available to a limited number of non-members on a first-come first-served basis.  We can now announce that the meeting will be online by Teams/Zoon and take place at 14:00 on Weds 11 June 2025.

If you are already a HTA member, you can register for the meeting by logging into your HTA account online as usual here.

Non-Members

To attend as a non-member your business would have to be eligible for operator membership and attendance will be subject to availability (one attendee per company). If you wish to attend, please use this link to apply (online submissions close 12:00 noon, Saturday 07 June 2025).

Successful applicants will receive the online meeting link by eMail from HTAadmin@heavytransportassociation.org.uk.

In anticipation of the interest around this issue, please use the same online form to pre-advise any question so that we can maximise the meeting time on the day (questions will be curated to understand priorities for discussion).

The much awaited updated NPCC Guidance on the policing of Abnormal Loads is due for release imminently.  The HTA has played a leading collaborative role through the ALG in its development with NPCC.

"This is a key piece of work – heavily informed by industry on key issues firms are facing with inconsistent police service on supporting abnormal load movements."  Richard Smith (MD, RHA)

"This guidance is possibly the most vital document produced in over 15yrs for our community. We are aware of many forces and individual officers are equally eager to receive the guidance to collaborate much needed consistency and lawful application of the relevant legislation."  Marcus Gough (HTA Chairman)

The HTA are led to believe publication will be early June 2025. Upon release, and in anticipation of questions/interpretations from all corners of industry, the HTA have decided to host a special 'Open' (online) meeting which will be convened approximately one-week post-release.

The HTA has previously garnered views, evidence and opinions from across the sector with contributions from members and non-members alike and it is felt that the subject has sufficient importance to take the unprecedented decision to open the meeting up to a limited number of non-members on a first-come first-served basis.  To attend as a non-member your business would have to be eligible for operator membership and attendance will be subject to availability (one attendee per company).  Once the NPCC Guidance is released we will publish on HTA website/social media together with the meeting date as well as prompting for questions/applications to attend from non-members (members register for the meeting in the usual way).

Recently, several members have raised concerns about reports from various police forces regarding the carriage of hook blocks attached to the front of mobile cranes. These reports suggest that drivers are being cited for alleged offences related to this practice. Social media posts from police groups have further contributed to the confusion, claiming that a new law will come into effect on 1 May 2025, making this configuration unlawful.

In response, the HTA contacted the Department for Transport (DfT) to seek urgent clarification.

We are pleased to confirm that a DfT spokesperson has stated there are no legislative changes currently planned or due to come into force concerning the carriage of hook blocks mounted (reeved) on the front of mobile cranes.  It appears that references to such changes may stem from a localised operational policing issue, not from any national legislative action.

The HTA and its partner organisations are actively engaging with the relevant police forces to robustly challenge and address these concerns directly.

Further discussions are scheduled for later this week, and the HTA is continuing to seek detailed clarification on the matter. We will issue updates as more information becomes available.

The Heavy Transport Association (HTA) is the only UK trade association solely dedicated to the abnormal loads industry, proudly representing a wide range of members, including mobile crane operators.

The next HTA General Meeting will take place after the National Police Chief's Council publishes its updated guidance.

The guidance is expected to be published in the coming weeks and will consist of guidance about key issues such as embargoes and police escorts.

We will advise members once there is a development and a date fixed for the next HTA General Meeting.  You can find out how to join the HTA by clicking here.

"This guidance is possibly the most vital document produced in decades for our community.  We are aware of many forces and individual officers are equally eager to receive the guidance to collaborate much needed consistency and lawful application of the relevant legislation.  Whilst it is frustrating to endure a somewhat delayed publication from the original timeline, its correct to ensure that the document is fit for purpose and meaningful."

Marcus Gough, Chairman

It is with profound sadness that we have learned of the passing of Rory McDonald, a respected haulier and cherished member of our community. As the owner and operator of Hi-Line Transport Ltd, Rory was not only an exemplary professional in the Caravan Haulage sector, but also a trusted colleague and friend to many.

Rory’s contributions to the industry were significant, and his dedication to excellence in service set a standard that we all admired.  His passion for the work, commitment to safety, and the respect he showed for both his team and clients will continue to inspire us all.

We extend our deepest condolences to Rory’s family, friends, and everyone at Hi-Line Transport Ltd during this incredibly difficult time.  His loss will be felt across the industry, and he will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.

Our thoughts are with his loved ones.

Following the announcement of the initial Mobile Crane operator trial by Gwent Police and due to a significant amount of interest from operators and other forces, we are now pleased to announce that South Wales Police and Dyfed Powys Police abnormal load departments are also participating in the trial.

Due to the scale of the trial there is no longer a requirement for crane operators to opt in. 

To make this trial a success with the potential for expansion to other operators in the industry, the HTA support and encourage our members to comply with any conditions specified by the police authorities.

A full route list of embargo free routes for operators is available which includes all set conditions as well as examples (to help operators take full advantage of the trial), maps, list of known routes suitable for no-embargo, known routes with issues requiring compliance with embargo periods etc is available to download as a PDF here (see below) or from any of the 3 police force abnormal load officers.

Any questions or queries can be directed to the trial lead at Gwent Police george.john@Gwent.police.uk

Message from Gwent Police

"Gwent Police would like to this the opportunity to thank you for working with us to keep our roads safe.

Gwent, South Wales and Dyfed Powys police are committed to making the public roads a safer place, whilst supporting many of the industries that rely on use of the road network to keep infrastructure projects moving.

Over years gone by Embargo Periods have been setup to minimise congestion and disruption during peak travel periods as a blanket catch all condition. It is our intention to re-align the Embargo’s introduced in and open and transparent manner. By using evidence led traffic flow data we can support the industry to keep wheels turning lifting or adjusting embargo periods, but also restrict the movements where necessary to ensure congestion/disruption is minimised and safety is maximised.

For the first stage of this trial, we have opted to lift embargo periods for multi-lane carriageways for mobile cranes. Mobile Cranes despite in some cases being slightly longer and heavier than usual, have the ability to sit within their own lane of traffic. On a multi-lane carriage way this does not prevent other road users from passing safely and additionally can travel, often at speeds similar to other traffic.

We will use the data collated during the trial to explore in what area’s it can be expanded, terminated or where stricter rules are required to make this a success for all."

The first stage of the trial will only apply to mobile cranes starting on Monday 15th July 2024 with set conditions:-

Conditions

• Be a motor vehicle that’s specially designed or built to carry out lifting operations
• A motor vehicle which has a crane permanently mounted as part of the vehicle chassis design (the definition excludes lorry mounted cranes)
• Have a Gross Vehicle Weight of 80T or Less
• Have a Maximum Width of 3m
• Have a Maximum Length of 25.9m
• Will comply with any specific embargo conditions that may be implemented during the course of the trial such as no travel during one off peak times such as football matches, concerts, which will be notified in advance.

Movements

All movements as normal must be conducted in full compliance with any legislation.

No Embargo Routes

No Embargo will apply for any multi-lane carriageway (embargo periods remain for any single lane carriageway).

No movement is permitted during the following times unless Embargo Free Route as previously defined:-

• During periods where a major event has been planned (you will be notified)
• Between 07:00 – 09:00 Monday to Friday
• Between 16:00 – 18:30 Monday to Thursday
• Between 15:00 – 18:30 Fridays
• All UK Bank Holidays
• Other times at the discretion of the force (you will be notified)
• Hours of Darkness (unless Pre-Authorised by Gwent Abnormal Loads Officer or under Police Escort)

NB: Any deviation from the restrictions above can only be given by a suitably trained officer from Gwent Police, having given due consideration to road safety, route and congestion issues.

Mobile Crane Embargo Trial.pdf

Members have recently reported that auto responses received from several Police Constabularies concerning abnormal load notifications requiring an attendant to be present in the cab during transporting of a qualifying abnormal load.

An example of the wording from an auto response sent by a constabulary is set out below:

“If a load exceeds total width of 3.5m, or a length of 18.65m (not including towing unit), or a rear projection of 3.05m or a front projection of 2m, then another person is required in addition to the driver within the cab of the vehicle moving the load. This must not be someone from a self-escort vehicle and an additional hand is required in the vehicle transporting the load”.

The HTA’s position is as follows:

1. As the Police’s position with regards to stating that a self-escort cannot be the attendant, we do not agree with their interpretation.
2. Our view, having reviewed both C&U & STGO is that it is simply someone to accompany and attend to the vehicle/load. It does not specify that they must be in the cab.
3. See below extract of Sch 6 STGO 2003 on attendants and STGO enforcement guide for reference.

SCHEDULE 6

ATTENDANTS

Article 12(1), 14(1), 15(4), 23(3), 24(5), 31(3) and 34(4)

1. A person (“an attendant”) must be employed—

(a) to accompany the vehicle or vehicle-combination;

(b) to attend to the vehicle or to all vehicles comprised in the combination;

(c) to attend to any load or loads carried on such vehicle or vehicles; and

(d) to give warning to the driver of the vehicle or vehicle-combination, and to any other person, of any danger likely to be caused to such other person by reason of the presence on the road of the vehicle or vehicle-combination

EXTRACT OF STGO ENFORCEMENT GUIDE - Special types enforcement guide - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

8. Attendants

An attendant is required where:

Where an attendant is needed they can travel in the vehicle according to the STGO or Special Order movement. Alternatively they can travel in an escort vehicle, providing that they are:

Where 3 or more loads are travelling in convoy, only the first and last vehicles need an attendant.

HTA action and outcome

The HTA brought the concerns of members to the attention of the specific constabularies and the HTA’s position regarding attendants as set out above.

We have received a response confirming that constabularies will be making changes to ensure they are operating as they should be.

We suspect this may not be immediate, but we urge members to report to us should they continue to receive auto responses from police forces requiring that an attendant be present in the cab and/or that self-escorts cannot be attendants.

Crane rental companies around Europe are reporting growing issues with the use of AdBlue - some suggesting almost one third of all on-road breakdowns seem to be AdBlue related.  A key concern is that if the AdBlue system malfunctions (perhaps because the engine is too cold) then the crane’s engine can lose power or even shut down, with potentially dangerous consequences.

Reports suggest that similar problems can face Trucks and SPMT operators, a particular concern during load outs.

As a first step, ESTA has decided to gather information (to include Trucks in the analysis) and will then consult with members of the European Regulations Workgroup and decide on the next steps.  The HTA is  the UK representative member of ESTA, the leading European association for the abnormal road transport and mobile crane rental industry.

ESTA have produced an online form to allow members to easily submit information about problems with the use of AdBlue in Trucks, mobile cranes and SPMTs - click here.  To gather information from as many operators as possible, this survey is open to non-HTA members.

The enquiry will only take a few minutes to complete, and your responses will help ESTA in making their case with the engine manufacturers.

We urge members to complete the enquiry form as the results may reveal industry-wide issues with AdBlue systems which ESTA can review and progress with the engine manufacturers.

This news item has now been updated/superseded - click here for latest news. 

In Co-operation with the HTA, Gwent Police are exploring options to a route for lifting Embargo Times for a small proportion of Abnormal Loads to assist the industry.

This trial will commence for Mobile Cranes within the Gwent Police Force area initially and will be evidence led based on traffic data to pave the way for expansion of the trial.  It is hoped that neighbouring forces will also come on board during the trial as the HTA and Gwent Police Commercial Vehicle Unit work together to make this a success.

The first stage of the trial will only apply to mobile cranes starting on Monday 15th July 2024 with set conditions.

The Mobile Crane MUST:-

• Be a motor vehicle that’s specially designed or built to carry out lifting operations
• A motor vehicle which has a crane permanently mounted as part of the vehicle chassis design (the definition excludes lorry mounted cranes)
• Have a Gross Vehicle Weight of 80T or Less
• Have a Maximum Width of 3m
• Have a Maximum Length of 25.9m
• Will be implemented subject to regular review for the trial period over 3 months
• Will comply with any specific embargo conditions that may be implemented during the course of the trial such as no travel during one off peak times such as football matches, concerts, which will be notified in advance to opted in operators

No Embargo Routes

The routes currently covered will expand during the trial as data becomes available to rationalise any decisions made. Main routes covered by the embargo include:

• M4 between J28 and J22
• A48 Between J24 and J28
• A449
• A40
• A465

Operators wishing to opt into this trial will need to request to be included by contacting george.john@Gwent.police.uk.

Operators will need to provide their company operating name, transport manager name and best contact information including eMail and phone number in order to receive updates and additional information as the trial progresses.

If the operator utilising any of the embargo exempt routes as part of their journey requires to utilise other roads in order to reach their destination, this will be permitted on a case-by-case basis for the period of the trial and an email will need to be submitted to request authority at least 48hrs in advance of movement.

Additional information will be released in due course to operators opted in and the HTA to see how this trial could be potentially expanded for other operators in addition to mobile cranes within the industry

Operators not opted into the trial will have no Embargo exemption.

ESTA has identified the lack of parking spaces and rest facilities for HGV drivers in general and Abnormal Transport drivers in particular as one of our focal points.  ESTA is a member of ESPORG (European Secure Parking Organisation - developing better and safer parking spaces for all goods transport).  Consequently ESTA has been invited to join a study on the requirements for truck parking in the EU. This is a UK problem as well as in the EU so it is important that we, as an industry, make our voices heard.

ESTA (European Association of Abnormal Road Transport and Mobile Cranes) is the unique European arm for trade associations representing abnormal load operators, access platforms and mobile cranes. The HTA is the UK representative of ESTA.

We would appreciate if you could take part in the survey below and share it with your employees, colleagues and network.  This survey is part of the Study on the availability of suitable rest facilities for professional drivers and of secured parking facilities, as well as on the development of safe and secure parking facilities in the EU (MOVE/C1/SER/2023-138).  The Study is commissioned and funded by the European Commission. We need the input of drivers, coach operators, transport companies and other stakeholders in the industry.

Your feedback will play a significant role in helping understand the current situation better and to identify areas where improvements can be made as well as developing effective solutions to enhance the well-being and safety of professional drivers across Europe.

Click here for online survey