National abnormal loads guidance published
The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) has released new guidance, developed in collaboration with the road transport sector, to help individual police forces across the UK deal appropriately with the movement of abnormal loads by road.
NPCC, which helps coordinate law enforcement across the UK, says the move will help ensure a safer and more predictable environment for abnormal loads movements, while also supporting police forces’ operational requirements.
It includes guidance around 30-day window acceptance, clarification on embargoes, targeted embargo approach, and police escorts and legal authority.
The news follows increasing concern in recent years that the policing of abnormal loads has seen inconsistency across the industry, creating significant challenges for operators who frequently cross force area boundaries.
Issues have developed in part due to changes in the transport and construction sectors over this time, including a shift towards modular build and large projects such as HS2, says the NPCC, which have resulted in a significant increase in the number of abnormal loads movements taking place.
“The overarching objective of this guidance is to improve consistency in the policing of abnormal load movements across the UK, which includes the administration, use of embargoes, enforcement, and police escort in line with current legislation,” said NPCC.
According to the Road Haulage Association (RHA), the NPCC has agreed that the guidance will be subject to ongoing review and amendment to ensure it remains fit for purpose. A formal review will occur in 12 months’ time.
“We’re delighted that the NPCC has listened and understand that this guidance is an economic enabler and we look forward to continuing to work with them collaboratively going forward,” said RHA managing director Richard Smith.
“We recognise that police have an incredibly challenging job to do and abnormal loads movements are a specialism. It’s only right that officers across all forces have the most up-to-date guidance that will help them support operators moving abnormal loads.
“This will also give infrastructure project leaders and hauliers the certainty that they will have a consistent service from officers when they require their support.”
Chief superintendent Marc Clothier, part of the NPCC portfolio for roads policing, said: “This new guidance is a testament to what can be achieved through close collaboration between law enforcement and industry.
“I’d like to thank all of our partners for their support and engagement which has enabled us to develop a practical document benefiting everyone.
“It brings greater clarity to both police forces and operators, reducing unnecessary administrative burdens and focusing resources where they are truly needed.”
The guidance can be accessed here, at the NPCC website.