Transport Scotland co-ordinates the movement of abnormal loads throughout Scotland’s trunk and non-trunk road network, ensuring that the requirements of industry are met, while minimising the risk to road safety and delays to other road users, and also safeguarding bridges from damage by overweight or over height vehicles.
The primary function of Transport Scotland’s Abnormal Routing Section is to investigate on behalf of the Highways Agency, the suitability of proposed wide, high and heavy load movements within Scotland that require VR1 or Special Order authorisation under Section 44 of the Road Traffic Act.
Before recommending to the Highways Agency that any such authorisation is given, Abnormal Routing Section must be satisfied that the movement can be justified, and that alternatives have been considered – consulting with its Operating Companies, Local Authorities, other Bridge Owners and the Police where necessary along the route of the proposed movement.
From the records held, and the experience gained in performing these duties, it is also able to offer a routing advisory service on the movement of all abnormal loads, and high loads, throughout Scotland. This service is highly regarded by haulage contractors, plant operators and the manufacturing & construction industry throughout the UK – assisting them with their day-to-day transport problems and enabling them to fully investigate all options prior to tendering for transportation of wide, high or heavy loads.
The Abnormal Routing Section can also advise haulage contractors and plant operators of the road authorities whose area they propose to travel through – thereby reducing the likelihood of an authority not being notified of the proposed movement
See Abnormal Load Movements - A brief guide to Notification and Authorisation requirements.
Further details on abnormal loads can also be obtained on the Highways Agency’s Electronic Service Delivery for Abnormal Loads (ESDAL) website.
Contact:
Trunk Road: Network Management Directorate (Abnormal Load Routing)
Buchanan House
58 Port Dundas Road
Glasgow
G4 0HF
Telephone: 0141 272 7339
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