Abnormal loads

Large or heavy loads, for example those with a gross weight exceeding 40 tonnes, are known as abnormal loads.

If a haulier wishes to move a load which is classed as abnormal, they must comply with the law by notifying and gaining consent from the police. If the gross weight or axle weights exceed those specified on the construction and use regulations, the haulier must also indemnify the highways authority and all bridge owners along the proposed route, for example Network rail.

An abnormal load can potentially be transported on any road, provided the haulier complies with the law and notifies the authorities. Some roads are more suitable and more extensively used for transporting abnormal loads, like the A class roads.

Notice periods

The law requires the haulier to give a minimum of two clear days notice to the police, highway authority and bridge owners before moving the abnormal load.

The notice period is different for loads over 150 tonnes, 6.1 metres wide or 27.4 metres long and hauliers need special orders from the Department of Transport to move loads of this size.

For more information about the notice periods for large and heavy loads, please download the notification requirements for large and heavy loads from the Department of Transport website (PDF, 158K)

Legal indemnity

The legal requirement for notifying the authorities that abnormal loads need to be moved is normally 2 working days, as described in the section above. However, in many instances, this notification period is less than the legal requirement.

In these cases, the London borough of Tower Hamlets cannot be held responsible for damage caused by abnormal loads to the road network or to structures supporting the road network, because the haulage company failed to give enough time for their proposed routes to be checked for weight limits.

Please note haulage companies do submit a form of indemnity, which is normally provided on an annual basis.

Notifying the council

To notify the council of abnormal load movements on the council’s roads and bridges, please use the contact details below or alternatively, please download the Application to transport abnormal loads form.

Other highways authorities

For roads and bridges that are not within the council’s remit, you should contact the relevant highways authority. For more information, please download this list of contact details for other highways authorities (PDF, 45K).

Further information

For further information, please contact:

Tel: 020 7364 6752
Fax: 020 7364 6885
Minicom: 020 7364 6985 or 020 7364 6867
E-mail: roadsandhighways@towerhamlets.gov.uk

Pid No: 785