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Clarification of the Water Preferred Policy Guidelines for the Movement of Abnormal Indivisible Loads
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Clarification of the Water Preferred Policy Guidelines for the Movement of Abnormal Indivisible Loads

Clarification of the Water Preferred Policy Guidelines for the Movement of Abnormal Indivisible Loads

The Highways Agency has completed new guidelines to clarify and support the Government’s “water preferred” policy of using water for the transport of abnormal indivisible loads.        

The “water preferred” policy encourages taking slow-moving abnormal loads off the road network, offering real benefits in terms of reducing disruption and congestion.  The Guidelines explain how the policy is applied and provide greater transparency of the decision making process.

The Guidelines set out the type and size of abnormal loads that should be considered for movement by inland water.  They also clarify:

  • How the Highways Agency should reach a decision to permit a road or inland water move; and
  • Provide indicative thresholds for determining the point at which the greater cost of inland water makes it unreasonable to require its use.

The completed guidelines follow an extensive consultation by the Highways Agency, which took account of the responses received from road users, industry and other interested parties.

Water Preferred Policy Guidance

Water Preferred Policy Guidelines for the Movement of Abnormal Indivisible Loads (PDF 1.6MB)

Summary of Responses

Summary of Responses (PDF 684KB)

Consultation Document

Consultation on the Clarification of the Water Preferred Policy Guidelines for the Movement of Abnormal Indivisible Loads (PDF 1.01MB)