National Highways Yorkshire Northeast Regional Stakeholder Survey 2023

https://highwaysengland.citizenspace.com/he/yne-regional-stakeholder-survey-2023/

List of structures which are causing significant diversionary routes and which has been highlighted for Trunk Road Agencies to target for their next round of funding requests.  Please provide feedback (to info@hta.uk.net) as to whether there are any other SRN structures that need adding to this list (NB: this list is not exhaustive and will be prone to change).

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Road	Restriction	Name	Location or Structure Ref	Area	Comment
A702	80,000kg	Bridge over Duneaton Water	Wandel	Scotland	TBA
M73	90,000kg	Slip road south to M74	M74 J14	Scotland	TBA
A19	46,000kg	Hylton Bridge	Sunderland	DBFO 26	Bridge is 40T ALL + 45 Units HB, so not especially restricted, subject to usual abnormal load procedures
M1(N)	44,000kg	Bridge over A635 Barugh Green East	J37/38	NH 12	Agreed capacity and not on heavy load route. Planned scheme to start on site by early 2023. subject to usual abnormal load procedures
A63	40,000kg	Flyover over Clive Sullivan Way Daltry Street Flyover	Hull	NH 12	Restriction not agreed. Limited to 40Te ALL + 17HB, or 20HB without associated ALL. So about 85 to 90Te abnormal load limit.  Not on heavy load route.                 There is an alternative route using the roundabout below.
M62	44,000kg	Bridge over River Ouse	J36/37	NH 12	Restriction not agreed. Bridge has 45HB capacity
M6	80,000kg	Bridge over River Dane	J18	NH 10	Concrete repairs ongoing and agreed that abnormal loads would be excluded and during the works the capacity would be 40T ALL only. However, this has been uprated to 80,000kg or 20 units HB.  At the end of the repair work (Dec 2023 planned) it is anticipated restrictions will be lifted and usual abnormal load procedures will apply.
A34	44,000kg	Bridge over River Thames	Wytham	NH 3	The load capacity of 44,000kgs is currently appropriate.  This was imposed in order to safeguard the structure (following uncertainty in the condition of the structure post-tensioning systems).  The structure is on the heavy load grid.  Investigations and a structural assessment are underway and depending on the results, there are plans to undertake work on the bridge (but unlikely before 2025).
A50 East	44,000kg	Bridge over River Dove	Uttoxeter	DBFO 28	44,000kg limit confirmed (not on Heavy Load Route).  The structure carries the eastbound carriageway of the A50 (Doveridge Bypass) over the River Dove, to the East of Uttoxeter.  No opportunity to strengthen structure.  DBFO Co are currently designing crossover points either side of the structure to enable heavy loads to traverse on the adjacent carriageway.  Both carriageways will need to be closed to enable this manoeuvre.
A14	52,000kg	Flyover	J51	NH 6	A14 J51 Beacons Hill Flyover South and North (2 structures).  The weight restriction of 52,000kg is correct.  The structure is not on a heavy load route.  There are no current plans to strengthen the structure.
A47	40,000kg	Bridge over River Ouse	Kings Lynn	NH 6	The structure is not on a heavy load route.   A weight restriction of 40,000kg has recently been put on this structure.  There are longer term plans to replace the structure after 2025.
M25 (anti)	84,000kg	Exit from tunnel bores (A282 Essex Viaduct)	J31	NH 5	Recorded capacity - 40T ALL +30HB.  The structure is on the heavy load grid.  Usual abnormal load procedures will apply.  Ongoing structural assessment.
M25	80,000kg	Abbots Langley Viaduct (Gade Valley Viaduct)	J20/21	NH 5	Recorded capacity - 40T ALL +20HB however strengthening works are currently underway. The structure is on the heavy load grid.  Usual abnormal load procedures will apply.
M2/A2	44,000kg	Entire length	n/a	NH 4 & 5	There are no known load restrictions on these sections of road.  This is a heavy load route. There may be some width restrictions imposed.  Usual abnormal load procedures will apply.
M25	40,000kg	Roundabout above Jct 3 (2 bridges)	Swanley	NH 4	Recorded capacity - 40T ALL.  The structure is not on the heavy load grid.  Structure has undergone extensive maintenance and strengthening.  Planned refurbishment scheme 2023/24.  Usual abnormal load procedures will apply.
M2	44,000kg	Bridge over River Medway (4 bridges)	J2	NH 4	There are 4 bridges as detailed below, and none are on a heavy load route. The restrictions apply to all lanes in both directions:- Medway River Bridge Medway East Viaduct New M2 Medway River Bridge All above 40t with 45HB Medway West Viaduct 40/44t with 20HB
M48	44,000kg	Old Severn Bridge		Severn Bridge	Agreed 44T weight limit (HGVs restricted to lane 1) due to the main cable assessment.  The structure is actively managed.  Not on the heavy load route.   An appropriate diversion using the Prince of Wales Bridge is available.
M4(W)	90,000kg	Jct18/19 Hambrook Viaduct E/B and W/B	Pucklechurch	SW	The restrictions are over 70t straddle lanes 1&2; over 90t no associated live load, full restriction over 140 Tonnes.  The structures are on a Heavy Load Route.  There is quite an easy diversion route via the Bristol Ring Road between junctions 18 and 19, (A46, A420, A4174), and this is used quite a lot.  No upgrading work planned.
M4	44,000kg + SV100	River Usk Bridge	J25a-J26 M4 25A-25A 38	SWTRA	Abnormal loads limited to SV100 (100T) with 'normal' traffic due to approach structures. Diversion on A48 between J24 & J28.
M4	44,000kg or SV80 alone	St Jullian's Viaduct	J24-25 M4 24-25 59	SWTRA	Abnormal loads limited to SV80 (80T) without other traffic in the direction of traffic. Diversion on A48 between J24 & J28.
M4	44,000kg + SV100	M4 over Ebbw River	J27-28 M4 27-28 81	SWTRA	Abnormal loads limited to SV100 (100T) with 'normal' traffic. Diversion on A48 between J24 & J28.
M4	44,000Kg	M4 over B4290	J43 M4 43-44 2	SWTRA	Any abnormal load vehicles over C&U weight (44T) to divert off an on at J43.
M4	44,000kg + 21HB	Tawe River Bridge	J44-45	SWTRA	Abnormal loads limited to 21HB (84T) with 'normal' traffic. Diversion on LA route between J44 and J45

The HTA has, and will always, support the safe, legal and responsible transportation of abnormal loads on our roads, as well as the enforcement by authorities against those who seek to profit or gain percieved advantage through non-compliance.

The HTA was formed in 1983 by a group of heavy haulage operators struggling to cope with less than clear regulations regarding the movement of abnormal loads.  It seemed apparent that enforcement authorities/police officers were not happy to have abnormal loads on UK roads.  40yrs later, the association is aware of recent, continuous, multi-agency legislative enforcement across the UK, to unprecedented levels, causing operators and end clients delays and unexpected costs.

You do not need to be alone.  The HTA welcomes new membership applications from professional operators.  If you are not already a member, consider joining us to help support compliance and fairness,  whilst promoting best practice and adopting codes of practice to reduce risk.

The HTA has always welcomed Police Abnormal Load Officers as affiliate members – this has always been, and continues to be, free of charge.  We continue to work with enforcement authorities and stakeholders to encourage mutual understanding and seek consensus.

The HTA have been made aware by a member of changes in embargo times for abnormal loads by The Metropolitan Police without consultation or prior warning:-

Extract from MET Police announcement--------------------------------------------------------------------

NO MOVEMENT of Police notifiable abnormal loads are permitted within the Metropolitan Police area between the following times:

• Monday to Friday - 06:00-10:00 and 15:30-20:00
• Weekends/Bank Holidays - 10:30-20:00

Additional time restrictions - if any part of the route falls within 3 miles of Charing Cross Station, or ANY abnormal load exceeds:

• Length: 26m (85’ 0")
• Width: 3.82m (12’ 6")
• Weight: 100te (98.2t)

It will not be permitted to travel between the following times:

• Monday to Friday - 06:00 - 20:00
• Weekends/Bank Holidays - 10:30-20:00

It is the haulier's responsibility to ensure that they travel within the appropriate times.

M25 Movements:

The Metropolitan Police are responsible for sections of the M25 where we advise Hauliers to avoid travelling during peak/rush hours:

• Monday to Friday - 06:00-10:00 and 15:30-20:00

MET Police

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The HTA and Road Haulage Association have made joint representations for a withdrawal of the changes and an explanation, as well as a call for consultation on such matters that are otherwise decided upon without any consideration or representation.

The MET Police previously introduced unilateral changes without notice or consultation in 2014 and the HTA were successful in getting the changes withdrawn through representation at police and government level.   The HTA notes that the most recent changes appear to be identical to those withdrawn in 2014.

After attending an Industry Liaison Meeting, the association wishes to bring the following areas of Abloads movement compliance to your attention.

West Midlands & Staffordshire Police who are responsible for policing the M5, M5, M6 Toll, M54, Aston Expressway, M42 and A500 are actively targeting abnormal load movements through an ongoing 'Operation Nightstare' to ensure loads are being transported legally, safely, and compliantly.

The HTA have been advised that, to date, 106 movements have been stopped with only 3 being satisfactory compliant.

You must ensure that the details recorded on the movement order are correct & you give 2 days or 5 days’ notice (whichever is required) or if Special Order and VR1 the movement must not commence until the allotted date/time, with permits issued.  Failure to provide accurate information could result in having your vehicle/s impounded.

In addition, the following must be in order:

• Gross Vehicle & Axle Weights must be as per movement order and are not design weight exceeded
• Marker boards must be fitted correctly and in accordance with STGO regulations and or National Highways guidance
• Load dimensions must be accurately recorded within the movement order
• Height of load must be known & displayed in the vehicle
• Check to see if an Escort vehicle is required, if so, use one
• Adhere to embargo times
• Correct STGO CAT board located on front of vehicle
• Correct speed is maintained for categorisation of load or axle loadings
• Load must be adequately secured – refer to DVSA load securing guidance & the Categorisation of defects
• Vehicle and trailer must be in a roadworthy condition - suitable for the load being transported, correctly taxed & insured.
• Driver vocational licence, driver CPC & Digital card must be valid
• Vehicle (including any Escort vehicle), goods in transit & Indemnity insurances must be valid

Guidance documents:

• Road Vehicles (Authorisation of Special Types) (General) Order 2003 https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2003/1998/contents/made
• Aide Memoire for notification requirements for the movement of Abnormal Indivisible Loads or vehicles by road when not complying with The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 (commonly known as C & U) https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/503103/Aide_Memoire_updated_Sep_2015.pdf
• DfT - Overhanging Loads: a brief guide https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/362006/A_brief_guide_to_overhanging_loads.pdf
• DVSA Load Securing - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/load-securing-vehicle-operator-guidance/load-securing-vehicle-operator-guidance
• Lighting and marking for abnormal loads vehicles code of practice - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/lighting-and-marking-for-abnormal-loads-vehicles-code-of-practice

Failure to meet all requirements may result in enforcement action which will have a detrimental effect on your & your customer businesses. Furthermore, all offences may be notified to the Traffic Commissioner.

The Heavy Transport Association welcomes the news that a UK Police Force is using the powers granted to them under the Police Reform Act (2002) to give conferred powers to Stop and Direct Traffic to private abnormal load escorters.  The step, by Avon and Somerset police in relation to abnormal load movements to Hinkley Point, will be the first time this has been done in the UK, in spite of the fact that the practice has been pretty standard across mainland Europe and elsewhere in the world for many years.

The HTA has lobbied for use of this existing 2002 legislation for several years and intends to work closely with Avon and Somerset Police and EDF to monitor the application of the powers, and learn any wider lessons in the application of this legislation as part of our ongoing Safer Abnormal Load Escorting project (SAbLE).

The powers of a constable to Stop and Direct Traffic for the Escorting of Abnormal Loads can only be given by Chief Constables under the Police Reform Act (2002) and is administered via the Community Safety & Accreditation (CSAS) scheme.  Employers have to be vetted and approved under the scheme as well as similar rigorous vetting as well as training/competence standards for those employed as 'accredited persons'.  Operators wishing to know more can visit the HTA website, info@hta.uk.net or get involved/support this initiative by becoming a member (annual membership starts from just £267 and applications can now be made online).

For details of the City and Guilds Stage 2 (Escort Driver) and Stage 3 (Escort Manager) qualifications developed by HTA and endorsed by industry contact a HTA Training Centre.

The UK Government is seeking views on the requirement for UK goods vehicle operators to post declarations to carry out goods journeys within the EU, as well as the consolidation of regulations for foreign goods vehicles operating in the UK.

Click here for UK Gov link to consultation.

HTA Members are invited to also feed back views on consultation via HTA to ESTA (info@hta.uk.net).

The Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS) supports the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Transport Safety.  Its vision is “A transport system free from death and life-changing injury, in which all users feel safe.”.

The aim of PACTS is to advise and inform members of the House of Commons and of the House of Lords on air, rail and road safety issues.  It brings together safety professionals and legislators to identify research-based solutions to transport safety problems having regard to cost, effectiveness, achievability and acceptability.

HTA Chairman, Marcus Gough said "The HTA is the only dedicated UK Trade Association for the heavy/abnormal load industry.  It is worth noting that every single UK infrastructure project will require the specialist skills of our members.  HTA members are consequently a highly specialist group of operators with very different needs over other sectors of the transportation industry.

I welcome PACTS decision to accept the Heavy Transport Association (HTA) as members and we look forward to working with PACTS to influence strategic decision making that affects our sector and benefits our members and UK Plc”.

The HTA have received the following communication from CMPG (Central Motorway Police Group)

"Thank you for circulating to your members and contacts, we have received a number of enquires since which have all been positive in their nature and have shown a willingness to support us with our request for which we are very grateful.

I thought I’d share with you a copy of an eMail I have been sending in reply to those enquiries which you may find useful to share too, particularly as avoidance of those areas would likely be of benefit to drivers and companies in terms of congestion and journey times.

Best wishes

Dean"

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"Firstly, thank you for taking the time to read the letter from Superintendent Mason and thinking about alternative routes during the Commonwealth Games, it’s very much appreciated.

I have pasted in a link below which is an interactive map of the routes that will be used during the games and these are the roads that we are asking abnormal load hauliers to avoid during the period. You may also actually find it beneficial yourselves to avoid these routes as we expect them to be even more congested than they are normally and this may have a negative impact on your journey times.

Rather than me advise alternative routes for your company, I’m hoping that by providing you with this specific information, it will assist you with your alternative planning.

Interactive Google Map

If you need anything further, please come back to me.

Best wishes

Dean
T/Inspector 3182 Dean Caswell
Motorway Operations Inspector
Central Motorway Police Group | West Midlands Police

CMPG (Central Motorway Police Group) have requested abnormal load hauliers, escort companies and associates, not to move abnormal loads around the West Midlands road network during the period of the Commonwealth Games (which runs from Monday 25th July to Wednesday 10th August) in order to keep the infrastructure moving freely at all times and remove any risks of long and damaging delays should a breakdown or shed load occur or the disruption caused when moving a wide and/or slow abnormal load.

CMPG do not intend, at this time, to formally apply for additional restrictions on the movement of abnormal loads throughout the West Midlands area.

The RHA and HTA advice to members is that where possible to avoid abnormal load movements within the West Midlands area during the Commonwealth Games.  Where this is unavoidable it is important to ensure all movements are notified accurately and that all regulatory requirements are met to avoid any enforcement action.

Additionally; National Highways have notified that during the Commonwealth Games the Abloads bay on the M5 at Junction-2 will be occupied by the Games Duty manager to house 2 recovery vehicles, and therefore will not be available to operators to use for the lay-up of ab-loads during the period 19th July until the 10th of August.