The HTA today strongly endorses Amendments 402–414 tabled by Earl Attlee in the Crime and Policing Bill.  These vital reforms promise to eliminate long-standing inconsistencies in police escort charging and authorisation for abnormal loads and mobile cranes, ensuring fairer, more transparent regulations that protect critical infrastructure delivery and economic growth.

As the Crime and Policing Bill progresses through the House of Lords - with committee debates scheduled for November and December 2025, and votes anticipated in early 2026 - the HTA calls on MPs, Peers, and industry stakeholders to rally behind these amendments.  Inconsistent police practices across regions are causing undue delays, excessive fees, and economic harm, threatening the timely execution of national projects in construction, renewable energy, defence, and power generation.

Chris Britton, HTA Chair, has commented on proposed legislative changes aimed at resolving long-standing issues within the sector.

Britton stated that these amendments offer a vital opportunity to correct systemic imbalances:

"These amendments represent the most significant opportunity in recent years to address the imbalance and inconsistency our members experience in dealing with police authorities.  We are grateful to Lord Attlee for his tireless advocacy on behalf of the sector, and we will continue to support his efforts with coordinated industry engagement and evidence-based input."

He goes on to explain that the real-world impact of current regulations, which often involve arbitrary fees and regional discrepancies:

“The current inconsistencies and unsustainable fees within the heavy transport sector are causing significant operational disruptions and financial strain.  Wind turbine deliveries being delayed by unexpected costs, mobile crane movements facing holdups that impact vital road infrastructure and HS2 project timelines. Furthermore, critical defence shipments are suffering disruptions due to inconsistent regional applications of rules.”

“This status quo is unsustainable.  Parliament has a timely opportunity to introduce equitable, cohesive reform that provides stability for the industry and bolsters UK infrastructure and employment opportunities.” 

Why These Reforms Matter for Abnormal Load Transport and Mobile Crane Operations?

Abnormal load and mobile crane operators are the backbone of the UK's infrastructure sector, transporting oversized equipment essential for the net-zero transition, major engineering feats, and defence mobility. Yet, without a national framework, police forces apply discretionary charging variably - some impose hefty fees for statutory services, while others provide them free - leading to uncertainty that erodes competitiveness and investor confidence.

Key highlights of the amendments include:-

• Amendment 413: Mandates the Secretary of State to establish a national framework for police escort charging, promoting proportionality and transparency.
• Amendments 402–404: Tackle judicial misinterpretation and modernise escorting powers with accreditation standards.
• Amendments 405–408: Enhance flexibility in tractor units and notifications for efficient planning.
• Amendments 408–409, 412: Ease short-notice moves to prevent economic losses from rigid timelines.
• Amendment 409: Limits intrusive information requests to essentials only.
• Amendments 413–414: Embed economic impact considerations in Schedule 5 of the Road Vehicles (Authorisation of Special Types) Order (STGO).

These changes, backed by cross-party support and industry leaders like the Abnormal Loads Group (ALG), Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA), and Road Haulage Association (RHA), will foster a safer, more efficient system without burdening taxpayers.

Industry Call to Action: Amplify the Voice for Fair STGO Regulation

The HTA is mobilising members through direct ministerial briefings, evidence submission to the Department for Transport (DfT) and Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), and a coordinated lobbying push. Operators and customers are encouraged to contact their local MPs and Peers with real-world examples of delays or overcharges - using the HTA's letter template for maximum impact.

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