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A new voluntary Code of Practice for haulage and escort companies who transport loads on roads throughout Great Britain has today been published by the Highways Agency. 

During the first half of 2004, police forces in England and Wales decided to discontinue the provision of routine escorts for abnormal loads and accepted hauliers and escort companies providing their own service. This followed on from recommendations from Sir David O'Dowd's report on reducing police bureaucracy.

The principal haulage industry associations and police forces in Great Britain support the Code, which is a statement of best practice designed to make sure that those escorting abnormal loads on the roads do so in a manner that maximises safety. 

The primary purpose of self-escorts is to warn other road users of the presence of an abnormal load and to generally assist with the passage of the load. Where traffic control is required, normally for the largest and heaviest loads, the police will still attend with prior agreement. The Code contains guidance on escort vehicle markings, equipment to be carried and person specifications, as well as basic operating guidelines. 

The introduction of the Code of Practice means there are the combined benefits of: 

* Greater flexibility for the haulage industry to move loads at the optimum times to minimise traffic congestion, such as overnight and at weekends, as well as saving time by not having to co-ordinate police escorts across force boundaries; 

* More time and resources for the Police, allowing them to be devoted increasingly to targeted enforcement and front line public service delivery. 

Transport Minister David Jamieson said, "I am delighted that the Highways Agency has published this Code of Practice. It will offer the potential for genuine efficiency savings for the haulage industry, as well as allowing the police to concentrate more on their core activities."

The Code of Practice is available from: 

The Highways Agency Abnormal Loads Team 

5, Broadway, 

Broad Street, 

Birmingham, B15 1BL.

E-mail: abnormal.loads@highways.gsi.gov.uk 

or via the Highways Agency Information Line on 08457 504030. 

It is also available on the Highways Agency website ( www.highways.gov.uk ) in the 'doing business with us' section.

Source: Highways Agency