There are two pieces of legislation which govern the movements of over-long, overweight and over-wide vehicles: ‘The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986’, more commonly known as the Construction & Use regulations and ‘The Road Vehicles (Authorisation of Special Types) (General) Order 2003’, more commonly referred to as STGO regulations.
Agricultural machinery and vehicles normally come under the Construction and Use regulations regarding abnormal vehicles.
In order to require an abnormal vehicle movement dispensation, the vehicle must be:
- 2.9m or more in width,
- 18.65m or more in rigid length,
- 44000kg or more in weight,
- A load of 10000kg or more on a single non-driving axle,
- A load of 11500kg or more on a single driving axle.
You can find more information at: GOV.UK | Transporting abnormal loads.
Agricultural vehicles are most likely to come under the width restrictions of abnormal vehicle movements.
Escort vehicles
Escort vehicles are a legal requirement for any vehicles that are 3.5m or more in width. The type of road being driven on will determine whether the escort vehicle will need to travel ahead of, or behind, the abnormal vehicle. Dual carriageways would require the escort vehicle behind the abnormal vehicle, whereas country roads would require the escort vehicle ahead of the abnormal vehicle.
Requirements for escort vehicles are as follows:
- Two beacons, one on each side of the roof, or one beacon stretching the width of the roof, ensure that there is at least one beacon visible from 360 degrees around the escort vehicle.
- Beacons must not be in a position or style that they can be confused with other lighting systems on the vehicle.
- Signage on the vehicle identifying it as an escort vehicle.
- Two-way communication between the escort vehicle and the abnormal vehicle, such as a CB radio.
- Driver must wear a long-sleeved hi-vis vest at all times while escorting the abnormal vehicle.
- Must be a competent and experienced driver with a clean driving licence.
- Training helps to ensure you have the correct knowledge for escorting vehicles.
Local area requirements
Each local police force has their own requirements for certain parts of abnormal vehicle movements, such as:
- movement embargoes for specific times throughout the day and night
- application timing requirements
- routing requirements.
It is important to check with the local police force when completing any movement application, as some forces have dedicated harvest or seasonal movement applications.
