Escorting Abnormal loads – an update from West Mid Police

Escorting Abnormal loads – an update from West Midlands Police on paying for officers

Thank you to Craig Guildford, West Midlands Police Chief Constable, who has confirmed that operators are not mandated to hire police officers to escort abnormal loads as a matter of course in their area, and there should always be other options available. We’d like to thank the Chief Constable for offering our group that clarity.

Hauliers must notify police when they’re moving abnormal loads when specific dimensions and or weight thresholds are reached but are free to ‘self-escort’ unless they feel they need to pay for officers to assist.

We would ask you to get in touch if any police force has insisted that you hire officers to escort a load since 1 April if you didn’t intend to.

This information can help us address specific concerns with police.
Please include:

Dates;
Force area;
Numbers of officers they asked you to pay for;
Cost;
Journey start/finish;
Load carried;
Notice time given to police;
Impact this has had on the movement/business/customer(s);
Any other relevant details

Please email these instances through to us: [email protected]

We continue to collaborate with fellow trade bodies in the group: the Heavy Transport Association, the National Caravan Council, British Holiday & Home Parks Association, National Farmers Union – and affected businesses.

The National Police Chiefs Council has previously agreed to work with industry to update national guidance to improve cross-force consistency.
We will continue to keep you updated on our progress. Your thoughts are welcome.

Abnormal Loads Group