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Transporting abnormal loads by road

If you are involved in the moving of abnormally large loads in Northern Ireland, there is a straightforward process that you need to follow. You can find out more below.

Who do you notify?

There are only two authorities to be informed if you propose to move a large load along Northern Ireland's roads:

  • Roads Service
  • Police Service of Northern Ireland

Roads Service

Anyone wishing to move an abnormal load must notify Roads Service by submitting an Abnormal Loads (AL1) Application Form for:

  • all loads in excess of 38 tonnes on four axles
  • all loads in excess of 40 tonnes on five axles
  • all loads in excess of 44 tonnes on six axles
  • all loads in excess of five metres in width

Two clear working days notice is required for all of the above.

Five clear working days notice is required for:

  • all loads in excess of 80 tonnes
  • all loads in excess of 6.1 metres in width
  • all loads in excess of 27.4 metres in length

A special permit is required for:

  • all loads in excess of 150 tonnes
  • all loads in excess of 6.1 metres in width
  • all loads in excess of 27.4 metres in length

You can download the application form from the link below:

Although there is no legal requirement, it is advisable to notify Roads Service regarding all loads in excess of 4.3 metres in width, due to width restrictions on certain routes throughout the province.

For further information please contact Roads Service by:

email: roads.abnormal_loads@drdni.gov.uk
telephone: 028 9054 0419
fax: 028 9054 0509


post: Abnormal Loads Office
Department for Regional Development
Roads Service Headquarters
Room 2-31, Clarence Court
10-18 Adelaide Street
Belfast
BT2 8GB

Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI)

You must give the PSNI two days notice to arrange movement of an abnormal load. You have to fill out a Notification of abnormal loads form, which you can download from the link below:

The form must be emailed to the following address:

email: abloads@psni.pnn.police.uk

Or you can also contact the PSNI about transporting an abnormal load by:

telephone: 028 9090 1313
mobile: 07795 152396

post: The Police Service of Northern Ireland
Abnormal Loads Office
2 Alexander Road
Castlereagh
Belfast
BT6 9HH

Please note that an answerphone facility is available after office hours.