Any load too large or too heavy to be carried on conventional road-going trucks and trailers requires permission from the Highways Agency to use the UK’s roads. The Road Vehicles (Authorisation of Special Types) (General) Order 2003 commonly known as STGO – authorises special types of vehicle to use UK roads, even though they do not fully comply with section 41 of the 1988 Road Traffic Act. Special Types vehicles must comply with STGO restrictions and definitions, which include notification of vehicle movements.
An abnormal indivisible load must not be capable of being divided into smaller parts which could then be carried on vehicles that comply with the Construction and Use Regulations (C&U regs). Loads that exceed maximum permitted axle and vehicle weights, and length, height or width dimensions under Part 2 and Part 4 of the C&U regs all fall under STGO rules. STGO 2003 defines an abnormal indivisible loads vehicle as: an N3 motor vehicle specifically designed and built for the carriage of abnormal indivisible loads; an O4 category trailer designed to carry indivisible loads; or an N3 motor vehicle designed to tow O4 trailers.
STGO operations
There are three weight categories for STGO operations:
· Category 1: Maximum weight 50,000kg. Maximum axle weight 11,500kg.
· Category 2: Maximum weight 80,000kg. Maximum axle weight 12,500kg.
· Category 3: Maximum weight 150,000kg. Maximum axle weight 16,500kg.
Operating under STGO rules has been notoriously complicated in the past, partly because of the notifications that must be given to various authorities before making an abnormal load movement. In an attempt to streamline the process, the government has set up a dedicated website, ESDAL (Electronic Service Delivery for Abnormal Loads). The site has comprehensive information on the rules governing abnormal loads and links to other agencies that you might need to contact. Hauliers can use the site’s digital mapping facility to identify the route they need to take, and get full details of all the organisations they will need to notify before making the movement.
Eventually, it is intended that structure owners, police and the authorities will be able to manage incoming notifications using the web-based system, and hauliers will be able to deliver fully compliant notifications with just a few clicks of a mouse.
The minimum notification time for a special types movement varies according to STGO category and notification may be required by the Highways Agency, bridge authorities and police. A form of notice is downloadable from the DfT website.
For loads of widths of 5.0 to 6.1m operators need to complete form VR1.
The maximum permitted limits for STGO operations are 6.1m width, 30m length and 150,00kg weight. Outside these limits a Vehicle Special Order is required. Approval is not automatic and is at the discretion of the Highways Agency.
Police notification: Required if vehicle width exceeds 3m, vehicle rigid length exceeds 18.75m and gross weight is over 80,000kg.
Highways Agency and Bridge Authorities notification: Required for any vehicle exceeding 44,000kg and authorised axle weights.
