With vast amounts of motorway and other roads to police,
Cheshire Constabulary has methods to deal with the escort and road
transport of very large loads.
An abnormal load is one which cannot without undue expense or
risk of damage be divided into two or more loads for the purpose of
being carried on a road.
Haulage companies send Cheshire Constabulary wide load
notifications via fax on 0845 359 5916 or email abnormal.loads@cheshire.pnn.police.uk
two clear working days notice is required.
The routine escorting of abnormal loads by Cheshire Constabulary
on roads in Cheshire is no longer a function that can be sustained
and self or private escorting of the majority of loads is
permitted. Self or private escorts should comply with the Highways
Agency and ACPO Code of practice.
Hauliers can be charged by Cheshire Constabulary to accompany
large or difficult loads or when it is necessary to contravene road
regulations. The primary role of any escort vehicle is to alert
other road users and pedestrians of the presence of an abnormal
load or vehicle.
Abnormal loads in excess of 4.6 metres wide and more than 130
tonnes in weight requires specific authorisation from the Highways
Agency to operate on any road.