Skip to main content

Home | Advice | Licences and permits | Abnormal loads

Abnormal loads

How and when you need to report a load

All abnormal loads must be reported to Kent Police and the relevant bridge or highway authority a minimum of two clear working days before they are moved.

Report a load

To notify a load, contact the Kent Police abnormal loads section.

Loads must be reported when they exceed any of the following:

  • Width - 2.9 metres
  • Lateral projection of load - 305 millimetres
  • Length - 18.65 metres
  • Weight - 80 tonnes (bridge authorities must be notified if load exceeds 44 tonnes)

Dispensations

Kent Police can sometimes issue dispensations to vehicle operators which remove the need for them to report every individual load they transport.

Dispensations are usually issued to operators who transport loads of the same type such as mobile homes and engineering plant. All dispensations are issued with conditions, for example a maximum number of movements per year and the dimensions not to be exceeded.

It is also possible to apply for agricultural permits, dispensations which allow for the movement of oversize agricultural vehicles such as combine harvesters.

Loads requiring escorts

Motorways

M25, M26, M20, M2, A2 (between Metropolitan Police boundary and M2, then between Brenley Corner and Dover), A20 (between M20 and Dover), A229 Blue Bell Hill between M2 and M20.

Loads require an escort if they are greater than:

  • 4.6m (15ft 3in) wide
  • 30.49m (100ft) long
  • 4.95m (16ft 3in) tall
  • 130 tonnes in weight

Other restricted roads

A249 between M20 and Sheppey Crossing; A299 between Brenley Corner and St Nicholas at Wade roundabout; A289 between Cobham and Will Adams roundabout, Gillingham; A2 between Will Adams roundabout and Bowaters/Tesco’s roundabout, Gillingham; A278 between the A2 and M2.

Loads require an escort if they are greater than:

  • 4.1m (13ft 6in) wide
  • 30.49m (100ft) long
  • Weight is at the discretion of the abnormal loads officer

All other dual carriageways and roads

Loads require an escort if they are greater than:

  • 3.66m (12ft) wide
  • 24.39m (80ft) long
  • Weight is at the discretion of the abnormal loads officer

Report your load

For more information and to report an abnormal load, contact the Kent Police abnormal loads section.

If you are asked notify a load in writing, you can download the Form of Notice to Police and to Highway and Bridge Authorities here.

Links