Transporting abnormal loads
You need to tell us if you want to move heavy, long or wide loads along roads and across bridges (except for motorways) within South Gloucestershire.
Abnormal load regulations
An abnormal load is a vehicle that:
- weighs more than 44 tonnes when loaded
- has an axle load of more than 12 tonnes
- is more than 3 metres wide
- is more than 18.75 metres long
Notice period
We need a minimum of 2 working days notice of movement.
The notice period increases as the vehicle size and weight increases.
How to notify us
Contact us by email at highwaystructures@southglos.gov.uk with the following information about your abnormal load.
You must include:
- the proposed route including the start and end locations
- dates of journey
- vehicle configuration including loads, width, weight, length, height, axle loading and spacing
- vehicle registration
- your contact details
Notifying other authorities
Depending on the gross weight and dimensions of the load you may also need to give advance warning to:
- National Highways
- the police
- Department of Transport
- all bridge owners along the route like Network Rail
More information
Find more information about using abnormally large or heavy vehicles (GOV.UK) including load weights and dimensions and associated notice periods.