Abnormal Loads
Contact Us
PC 1623 Mark Langridge,
Abnormal Loads Officer
Tel: 0191 375 2178
Fax: 0191 375 2105
Email: Abnormal Loads
Urgent/Out of Office Hours: 0345 60 60 365
Durham Constabulary is responsible for policing the roads of County Durham and Darlington. This includes the A1 (M) and A66 (M) Motorways. The main trunk roads: - A66, A68, A19, A167, A689, A690. The A167 being the designated High Load route for all loads over 5 meters in height travelling North and South.
The movement of large or heavy loads (abnormal loads) on the road is covered by the Road Vehicles (Authorisation of Special Types) (General) Order, 2003, and Regulation 81/82 of The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986.
- E.S.D.A.L.
The E.S.D.A.L. Project, Abnormal Indivisible Loads (A.I.L) Forms.
If you wish to move any load which is over construction and use dimensions you must give us 48 hours clear notice by fax or email. We will consider less notice but this needs to be agreed by phone. We would also encourage Hauliers to apply for annual dispensations allowing the movement of abnormal loads under construction and use regulations but up to 3.5m wide.
The Durham Constabulary Abnormal Loads Office is based in the Communications Help Desk at Police Headquarters Aykley Heads Durham.
We do not normally acknowledge receipt of movement notices, although if there is a problem with the route you will be contacted.
In respect of escorts the Durham Constabulary have adopted the guidelines issued by the Association of Chief Police Officers (A.C.P.O.). On motorways loads up to 4.6m wide, 130 tonnes or 30.5m in length, will normally be allowed to move without an escort. On other roads it is up to 4.1m wide, 100 tonnes or 30.5m in length. Please note the final decision is made by taking into account the size of the load and the nature of the route to be used. Some of the roads in rural Weardale and Teesdale would require an escort at much smaller dimensions.
Durham Constabulary in line with most other Forces have adopted the A.C.P.O. guidelines by deciding to withdraw from the routine escorting of Abnormal Loads and to permit the use of private escort vehicles for the movement of the majority of abnormal loads. If specifically requested a Police escort can be provided for the entire route but there will be a charge for this service. We do how ever provide assistance free of charge to negotiate specific hazards.
