ALG: 'Abnormal Loads Group' - Update

Comprised of trade associations, stakeholders and operators, the ALG ‘Abnormal Loads Group’ continues to work together to discuss concerns and find solutions relating to abnormal loads. Firms continue to tell us that police actions and a lack of clarity on regulations are delaying projects and increasing costs.

In today's meeting we discussed our ongoing efforts to drive more consistency from police on abnormal loads movements. 

Some specific points raised by operators in the meeting were:

• Embargos
• Insistence of requesting police escorts
• Enforcement inconsistency
• Short notice
• Review of the ACPO Guidance

We’ve led a lot of work over the last year to tackle these issues after operators told us that certain police forces were applying rules inconsistently and in some instances, charging for their services to escort loads even when not required. These actions are creating delays and adding to costs. 

Our economic impact assessment concluded that these actions are costing the economy up to an estimated £574m a year. 

We continue to strive for fairness, consistency and a common sense approach, so we're collaborating with the National Police Chiefs Council. We are also in regular contact with individual forces to seek clarity and resolve issues.

Operators continue to seek further clarifications on regulations from different forces to stress the need for consistency - to ensure they can move loads efficiently. 

We will continue to seek these clarifications and we will keep you updated on our progress.

Your thoughts and feedback on this are welcome