The meeting between the Abnormal Loads Group (ALG) and police chiefs marks a significant effort to improve the management of abnormal load movements.
- Inconsistencies in police oversight have posed challenges for the haulage industry.
- Discussions involved updating national guidance on the movement of heavy loads.
- The ALG highlighted administrative burdens due to short notification periods.
- Research shows annual costs of £16.8m due to inconsistent enforcement by police forces.
The recent discussions between the Abnormal Loads Group (ALG) and police chiefs focused on creating a more consistent approach to overseeing heavy load movements across various police forces. These discussions are in response to existing inconsistencies that have reportedly caused difficulties within the haulage industry and related sectors such as caravans, construction, manufacturing, and renewables. The ALG and the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) aim to establish national guidelines to streamline procedures.
One of the critical issues raised was the requirement for notifications concerning abnormal loads. The ALG stressed that any notification period shorter than 30 days increases administrative workloads and risks, highlighting the necessity for a streamlined notification process to avoid unnecessary delays.
In an effort to enhance safety and compliance, discussions also addressed the proportional use of movement embargoes, particularly for non-notifiable movements, and the need for effective police escort provisions. The ALG emphasised the importance of adequate training for officers handling abnormal loads, which is crucial for mitigating risks associated with these heavy movements.
The meeting represented a ‘major milestone for the industry,’ as stated by the ALG. There is a mutual commitment to collaborating with police forces to improve compliance and reduce road safety risks. This collaborative effort underscores the significance of uniform practices across all regions.
Research commissioned by the RHA earlier this year exposed the economic impact of these inconsistencies, with the haulage sector incurring losses estimated at £16.8 million annually. Furthermore, a survey by the Heavy Transport Association indicated that 5% of its members were contemplating ceasing operations due to the financial strains imposed by varied and unpredictable police embargoes.
The ongoing collaboration between the ALG and police chiefs is a crucial step towards establishing consistent practices for abnormal load movements, aimed at reducing operational costs and enhancing road safety.
