Roads: Abnormal Loads
House of Lords
Written answers and statements, 26 May 2005
Lord Mason of Barnsley (Labour)
asked Her Majesty's Government:
How many wide load escort agencies are able to operate on the motorways without a police escort; and under which regulations they are permitted to do so.
Lord Davies of Oldham (Deputy Chief Whip (House of Lords), HM Household; Labour)
The exact number is not known because there is no specific requirement to register an abnormal load escort company. Abnormal load escorts can operate on motorways and other roads under a voluntary code of practice published by the Highways Agency, endorsed by the police and the haulage industry. There are 106 escort companies currently listed in the Escort Services Directory published by the Road Haulage Association. There will also be some companies operating that are not listed.