Police embargoes on abnormal loads forcing operators out of sector, HTA warns

The Heavy Transport Association (HTA) is warning that around 5% of its members are considering no longer moving abnormal loads, due to costs and difficulties arising from police officers enforcing inconsistent movement embargoes on them.

The warning comes as hauliers continue to report that some police officers are enforcing blanket movement embargoes on abnormal loads.

The HTA is one of a number of transport bodies, including the RHA, that are reiterating calls for a fairer and more consistent application of the regulations on moving large or heavy cargo.

Last month the RHA raised concerns that police forces are failing to take a joined-up approach to abnormal load movements and are ignoring legislative guidance on moving heavy or large cargo.

The RHA also said companies had reported inflexibility from the police and a refusal to accept short-notice movements, which was having a knock-on effect on other parts of the economy.

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The RHA and HTA said this week that, despite their pleas for action, these embargoes are continuing and are increasing costs and hindering hauliers’ operations.

Both associations have called on a number of chief constables to confirm if their forces are following College of Policing guidelines on Special Types General Orders (STGO).

They also wrote to the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) in June to establish clear guidelines and best practice on abnormal load movements to ensure regulations are enforced consistently, but have yet to receive a response. RHA said it is expecting a response from the NPCC later this month.

In the meantime, the group is advising hauliers that they can make a complaint about conduct in public office by an individual officer or force, through the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

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