Abnormal loads: Other information
In this section:
| 1. What is an abnormal load |
| 2. When and who you need to notify |
| 3. How to notify |
| 4. Other information |
Restrictions
The movement of abnormal loads on all roads is not permitted during the hours of darkness (half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise), except with the permission of the Police Force Abnormal Indivisible Loads office. The exception to this is when on the M6 Motorway network with your vehicle properly lit and signed.
Dispensations
A dispensation is a permission for an abnormal load to travel without having to notify us each time.
Please use our dispensation enquiry form to ask about our dispensations.
Escorts
You must arrange your own escort in Cumbria if any of the below circumstances apply:
Motorway
| Width | Over 4.6 metres (15`1”) |
| Weight | Over 130 tonnes |
| Length (rigid) | No Overall policy (Load, route and dimensions considered. Consider 30.5 metres (100`) |
| Height | 4.95 metres (16`) |
All major roads
| Width | Over 4.1 metres (13`6) |
| Weight | Over 100 tonnes |
| Length | Over 27.4 metres (89`9) |
A590 West of Meathop – (note; special needs at Tank Square, Ulverston)
| Width | Over 3.8 metres (12`6) |
| Weight | Over 100 tonnes |
| Length | Over 25.9 metres (85`) |
A5092 Greenodd to Grisebeck and A595 Grisebeck to Sellafield
| Width | Over 3.2 metres (10`6) |
| Weight | Over Construction and Use (C&U) regulations up to a maximum 70 tonnes (Loads over this cannot go north of Duddon Bridge without Highway Approval) |
| Length | Over 25.9 metres |
Unclassified roads
| Width | Over 3.66metres (12`) |
All other minor routes
| Width | Over 3.2 metres (10`6) |
Cumbria Constabulary retain the right to require a self or private escort on loads on an individual basis
You can use your own escort vehicles or hire someone else to escort you.
Police escorts
We will provide a police escort when we think we need to because of the size of the load or other unusual circumstances. This usually means loads that need a VR1 form (PDF, 48KB) or a Vehicle Special Order.
If you need a police escort you must give us 14 days’ notice and we will charge for this service.
Request a police escort using our contact form.