West Midlands Police has reiterated to the Abnormal Loads Group (ALG) that operators are not mandated to hire police officers to escort abnormal loads as a matter of course in their area.

Hauliers must notify police when they’re moving abnormal loads when specific dimensions and or weight thresholds are reached but are free to ‘self-escort’ unless they feel they need to pay for officers to assist.

This confirmation comes after hauliers had reported that the West Midlands officers had insisted that they must hire officers to escort.  The force said they’re committed to working with hauliers and will continue to support with escort where appropriate. 

The ALG recently revealed that inconsistent police enforcement on abnormal loads across the country is costing the economy up to *£584m per year.

If ANY police force in England or Wales has INSISTED you pay for officers to escort a load since 8 April 2024, if you did not intend to, please bring to our attention using this simple online form (also open to non-members).

*The Costs of increased police enforcement of Abnormal Loads regulations - CEBR (Centre for Economics and Business Research).