Knowing the rules for abnormal loads to ensure safer roads

Marie Biddulph, Assistant Regional Road Safety Co-ordinator devotes her days to improving safety on National Highways’ road network.

Marie says, “I get a real sense of satisfaction when I see an abnormal load that is properly secured and following all the latest guidance. There is a lot of legislation around load safety, particularly on bigger loads, but it is important, it keeps us all safe. I am over the moon when operators recognise that and I take pride in the fact that National Highways has helped to raise that awareness across the industry and beyond.”

Many hours are spent out in the cold speaking to drivers of HGVs, commercial and private vehicles, motorcyclists and people towing trailers or caravans sharing important safety advice.

And a key part of her work is focussed on load safety - from the smallest to the biggest loads carried on the road network - making sure drivers know and abide by latest guidelines and are carrying out the basic checks that will help prevent incidents occurring. Marie, who covers the Midlands, explains:

“We know that no driver sets out to cause injury, or worse, but they risk doing just that by failing to carrying out a few simple checks and not keeping up to date with the latest guidelines.

“There is a huge responsibility that comes with transporting any load and it is essential that drivers make sure their cargo is safe and secure. Every journey should start with a walk around the vehicle to make sure everything is secure, the appropriate straps or chains are being used and the load isn’t too heavy.

“Companies must also make sure that drivers understand the importance of the walkaround checks and that they are afforded the time to do that.

“It is also important that drivers and their bosses keep up to date with legislation. Often drivers who have been in the job for a long time simply fall back on that experience rather than learning and following new rules.

“I spend a lot of time working out on the network with our police and DVSA partners. Drivers stopped for breaching legislation will sometimes say ‘I’ve been doing this job for years’. But over time, things improve, and they get better. This is true of guidelines and legislation, so we certainly urge all drivers to keep up to date with the current laws.”

Legislation around carrying ‘abnormal loads’ is particularly substantial and Marie is keen to ensure all operators who work with this loads, the largest that are transported by road, do familiarise themselves with the very latest regulations.

“If you are ever unsure of anything please ask, don’t just chance it. Take the time to plan and notify your route correctly, adhere to any local restrictions and travel within the appropriate speed limit for the weight that you are carrying.”

For Marie, success in her role is not spotting those breaking the law – it is not finding anyone breaking the law as all vehicles travel safely and legally.

“Safety is always the primary concern at National Highways. We’re not an enforcement agency, we are there to support road users and make our roads as safe as they can be. I want to share our appropriate safety advice, whatever that may be, to help everyone get home safe and sound.”

National Highways will be exhibiting at the forthcoming Plantworx Construction Exhibition which is taking place from the 13th – 15th June 2023 at the East of England Arena and Showground in Peterborough.