When hauliers wish to carry a wide or heavy load which is above 40 tonnes gross weight, the local authority must be informed in advance. The police and any bridge owners , for example Network Rail, along the proposed route should also be informed. The council works with hauliers to offer advice on the most appropriate routes.
The law requires the haulier to give a minimum of two clear days notice to the Police, the council and bridge owners before moving the abnormal load.
The notice period for loads over 150 tonnes is different and hauliers need special orders from the Department of Transport to move loads of this size.
For full details of the notification requirements for large and heavy loads, please visit the Department of Transport website.
Notifying the council
To notify the council of abnormal load movements on the councils roads and bridges, please use the contact details on the right or send an email to abnormalloads@gateshead.gov.uk|