West Midlands ans Staffordshire Police – Abnormal Load Enforcement

The Road Haulage Association and Heavy Transport Association want to alert heavy transport operators moving abnormal loads, but specifically through West Midlands & Staffordshire, must ensure that they are compliant.

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 being transported are legal, safe, and compliant.

To date 106 movements have been stopped with only three having satisfactory compliance standards.

Operators must ensure that the details recorded on the movement order are correct and that two or five day’s notice (whichever is required) is provided. If Special Order or VR1, the movement must not begin until the allotted date/time, with permits issued.

Failure to provide accurate information could result in vehicles being impounded.

In addition:

Gross vehicle and axle weights must be as per movement order and do not exceed the design weight.

STGO CAT marker boards must be fitted correctly on the front of the vehicle in

accordance with regulations and/or National Highways guidance.

Load dimensions must be accurately recorded within the movement order.

The height of the load must be known and displayed in the cab of the vehicle.

Establish see if an escort vehicle is required and, if necessary, provide one.

Adhere to embargo times

Correct speed is maintained for categorisation of load or axle loadings.

Load must be adequately secured – refer to DVSA load securing guidance and the Categorisation of Defects.

Both vehicle and trailer must be in a roadworthy condition - suitable for the load being transported, correctly taxed and insured.

Driver vocational licence, driver CPC and digital card must be valid.

Vehicle (inc. any escort vehicle) goods in transit & indemnity insurances must be valid.

Guidance documents:

Road Vehicles (Authorisation of Special Types) (General) Order 2003

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)

DfT - Overhanging Loads: a brief guide

DVSA Load Securing