Abnormal loads

We advise hauliers on the most efficient and safe route through Derbyshire, avoiding low bridges, bridges and culverts with limited weight-carrying capacity, and major road-works, in order to ensure that abnormal loads cause as little disruption to members of the public as possible.

An abnormal load is one that is greater than 44 tonnes overall weight, wider than 3m or exceeds 18.65m in length.

For vehicles or loads that exceed any of these dimensions, hauliers must give us 2 clear days' notice.

We receive approximately 15,000 notifications of abnormal load movements through the county each year.

The form attached to this page gives an example of the details of the load and route that hauliers must provide to us. This is just an example and applications are preferred via ESDAL (electronic service delivery of abnormal loads). This is a free-to-use service, provided by Highways England, allowing you to provide configuration details of the vehicle, plot the route and identify any structures which your load will pass under or over. Applications received via ESDAL are likely to be processed quicker than applications received via other means. You can register for a free ESDAL account.

For further information, contact the abnormal loads officer email: abnormal.loads@derbyshire.gov.uk

More information on transport information for hauliers can be found in The Motor Vehicles [Authorisation of Special Types] General Order 2003 [S.I. 2003 No 1998].