5. Moving abnormal loads through Oldham
An abnormal load is a vehicle or load that is unusually large or heavy and exceeds the normal legal limits for road transport.
Hauliers transporting abnormal loads through Oldham must follow specific rules to make sure their journey is safe and does not damage roads or bridges.
Moving an abnormal load
Before moving an abnormal load, you may need to:
- Notify the police and obtain any necessary authorisation.
- Notify Oldham Council, as the local highway authority.
- Notify relevant bridge owners, such as Network Rail.
- Provide an indemnity to the highway authority and bridge owners if the load exceeds certain legal weight limits.
Abnormal loads can use different roads, provided the movement meets legal requirements and the route is suitable.
Major roads, such as A roads, are generally more suitable for larger and heavier vehicles.
Notification requirements
For abnormal loads that require advance notification, hauliers must normally give at least two clear working days' notice to:
- The police
- The relevant highway authorities
- Any bridge owners along the planned route
Different requirements apply to particularly large or heavy loads.
Loads weighing more than 150 tonnes, wider than 6.1 metres or longer than 27.4 metres may require a special order from the Department for Transport.
How to notify us
Before planning your journey, check the notification requirements and make sure you have any necessary permissions in place.