Abnormal Loads
Road and Bridge Authorities require notification and indemnity details for all abnormal load movements in their area. The normal size and weight limits of vehicles are contained in the Road Vehicle (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, and it is unlawful to exceed these limits without giving appropriate notification to the relevant authorities.
Dimensions within "Construction & Use Regulations"
Laden dimensions not exceeding:
2.9m (9' 6") overall width, No requirement for notice to Police
18.3m (60' 0") rigid Length or or for notice with indemnity to
44,000kgs (44t) gross weight Highway and Bridge Authorities
Secretary of State authorisation is not required for the movement of loads with laden dimensions shown above.
Dimensions requiring "Special Types General Order"
Laden Dimensions in Excess of "Construction & Use Regulations" but | Roads & Bridges Authority Notice | Police Notice | Working Days Notice |
| 6.1m (20' 0") overall width * | No | Yes | 2 clear days notice to Police |
| 30.00m (98' 5") rigid length | No | Yes | 2 clear days notice to Police |
| 80,000kgs (80t) gross weight | Yes | No | 2 clear days notice with indemnity to Highway & Bridge Authority |
| Over 80,000kgs (80t) but not exceeding 150,000kgs (150t) gross weight | Yes | Yes | 5 clear days notice with indemnity to Highway & Bridge Authority and 2 clear days notice to police |
* Secretary of State "VR1" authorisation is required for the movement of loads with an overall width in excess of 5.0m (16' 5"), but not exceeding 6.1m (20' 0").
Dimensions requiring "Special Order"
Laden Dimensions Exceeding: | Roads & Bridges Authority Notice | Police Notice | Working Days Notice |
| 6.1m (20' 0") overall width | No | Yes | 5 clear days notice to police |
| 30.00m (98' 5") rigid length | No | Yes | 5 clear days notice to police |
| 150,000kgs (150t) gross weight and/or 16,500kgs (16.5t) per axle | Yes | Yes | 5 clear days notice with indemnity to Highway & Bridge Authority and 5 clear days notice to police |
Secretary of State "Special Order" authorisation is required for the movement of loads with laden dimensions shown in table above.
NOTES:
1. At present there is no legislation governing the overall laden height of a vehicle, but in order that the maximum possible use is made of the network, it should not exceed 5.0m (16' 5").
2. "Clear days notice" excludes Saturdays, Sundays, Bank Holidays, Christmas Day and Good Friday.
For further guidance please refer to the Tranport Scotland Website.
Notifications
All notifications for West Lothian should be sent to:
FAO Roads Co-ordinator
West Lothian Council
Roads Maintenance
Guildiehaugh Depot
Blackburn Road
Bathgate
EH48 2EB
Telephone No: 01506 776503
e-mail: roadworks@westlothian.gov.uk (marked clearly Abnormal Load in the Subject Heading)
Updated 29/11/12
