Abnormal Indivisible Loads (AILs)
Northern Constabulary is committed to the safety of the public whilst travelling on our road network and the escorting of Abnormal Loads is required to protect the public and minimise the disruption of the travelling public.
The primary legislation that controls the movement of Abnormal Indivisible Loads is Part II of the Road Traffic Act 1988, the Road Vehicle (Construction & Use) Regulations 1986 and the Road Vehicle (Authorisation of Special Types) (General) Order 2003 (the latter commonly referred to as S.T.G.O.).
These regulations state, amongst other things, the type and period of notification that is statutorily required to move an AIL on a public road. For more information please see the Brief guide to Notification and Authorisation requirements. If your AIL falls within the criteria it must be notified to the Police or other Statutory body. A copy of the Highways Agency notification form can be downloaded for forwarding via e-mail or fax to the relevant Abnormal Loads Officer.
The Highways Agency have also invested in an Electronic means of notifying interested parties via its ESDAL Portal. After logging on and completing the notification form, it is then forwarded electronically to interested parties reducing the waste of paper and cost of faxing.
ACPOS Road Policing Standing Committee have endorsed the principle of self escorting of AILs on motorways and linking dual carriageways and on other roads deemed suitable by individual Chief Constables.
Northern Constabulary have adopted this code and developed an Abnormal Load Route matrix of the main A and B class roads that compliments the geography of our rural road network and road safety. This matrix is designed to aid Hauliers and Contractors when planning a route and should only be seen as a guide of what our requirements may be. The Chief Constable will decide on the type of escort necessary when a notification is submitted, having also taken into consideration local events or road works that are scheduled on a particular route.
Within Northern Constabulary, the self escorting of AILs is acceptable only in the following circumstances:-
- The Haulier complying with the Department for Transport/Highways Agency Code of Practice.
- The Haulier must give written notice at the time of notification that the self escort personnel will not engage in the direction or control of traffic.
- The Haulier must give an assurance that they will not operate or move AILs during peak traffic flows.
- Unless expressly authorised, no movement will take place during the hours of darkness or seriously reduced visibility.
ROAD SAFETY UNDERPINS THE POLICY RELATIVE TO SELF ESCORTING. HAULIERS MUST ENSURE THAT THE SAFETY OF ALL ROAD USERS IS AT THE FOREFRONT OF SELF ESCORTING ACTIVITIES.
All notifications of movements within the Northern Constabulary Area should e-mailed to the Northern Constabulary Abnormal Loads Officer or faxed to 01349 869568.
If you require any assistance regarding the movement or notification process contact the Abnormal Loads Officer or Telephone 01349 869570.
Postal address
Northern Constabulary
Abnormal Loads Officer
Road Policing Unit
Police Station
Dingwall
IV15 9QH