An abnormal load is an abnormally large or heavy load which cannot be divided into two or more loads for being carried on a road.

They include mobile homes and large plant machinery being transported by road.

When hauliers wish to move abnormal loads, they must notify the highway and bridge authorities for the routes they intend to travel and gain their consent before moving. Notice periods vary from a few days to several months depending on the size of the load.

There is a legal requirement under the Road Vehicles (Authorisation of Special Types) (General) Order 2002 for a haulier to give advance notice to indemnify each highway authority when travelling on the highway with a vehicle or vehicle combination having a total weight (whether it is unladen or wholly or partly laden) exceeding 44,000kgs.

Kent Highway Services must be notified of any proposed abnormal load travel routes within the Kent area (with the exception of motorways and trunk roads which are administered by the Highways Agency).

Kent Highway Services

Invicta House

County Hall

Maidstone

KENT

ME14 1XX

Email the Kent Highways Service 

Telephone: 08458 247 800.

View Kent County Council's webpage on abnormal loads for more information.