Last update: 04-2019
Rules and Regulations in the United Kingdom
This pages contains a guide to Special Types General Order (STGO). Due to size restrictions this guide does not cover all aspects, but is intended to outline the main features of each group within STGO Regulations 2015. For any specific queries not covered in this guide please feel free to contact us and we will try our utmost to assist you. We have made every effort to ensure that the information contained is correct at the time of going to press. However these details are not maintained and could become out of date.We recommend for complete accuracy you should always consult the relevant authority
GENERAL
The vast majority of equipment used on roads is covered by the Construction and Use (C&U) regulations, the majority of which now encompass European Directives; the STGO regulations cover those vehicles and items of equipment that do not fit into the C&U regulations i.e. anything from grass cutters to tanks. This booklet is primarily intended to cover the use of vehicles carrying abnormal loads; specifically those covered by article 18. The basic definition of an abnormal load is either,
a) A load which cannot be divided into two or more parts without undue expense, and which cannot be carried on a normal C&U vehicle due to its dimensions: or
b) Where the combined weight of the load and vehicle exceeds that permitted by the Authorized Weight Regulations (effectively) 44,000KG) or if they do not apply, is in excess of 38,000KG
STGO Article 18 is divided into 3 categories:
- CATEGORY 1: GCW up to 50,000KG
- CATEGORY 2: GCW up to 80,000KG
- CATEGORY 3: GCW up to 150,000KG
(GCW: Gross Combination Weight)
GCW up to 50,000KG
- Possible Speeds – Up to normal highway speeds
- Axle Loads – Standard C&U figures
TYPICAL COMBINATIONS
(NB These figures depend upon suitable tyre/axle combinations
and correct load positioning)
EXAMPLE 1
Assuming: Tractor Tare – 8,500KG and Trailer Tare – 8,500KG then max payload approx 33,000KG
NOTIFICATION
This is basically a dimensional notification if the following limits are exceeded.
TO POLICE
- If width exceeds 3m
- If overall rigid length exceeds 18,75m – 2 clear days’ notice
- If overall combination length including loads exceeds 25,9m, or if overhang exceeds 3,05m 2 clear days’ notice
TO HIGHWAYS AND BRIDGE AUTHORITIES (INCLUDING RAILWAYS, WATERWAYS ETC)
2 Clear days’ notice- plus indemnity to cover any damage to roads and structures.
MULTIPLE LOADS
More than one abnormal load may be carried if the loads:
- Are each of the same character
- Where loaded at the same place
- Have the same destination
- And generally that the load is less than 18,75m long and less than 3m wide
GCW up to 80,000KG
POSSIBLE SPEEDS
- Up to 40mph/64kmh on motorways
- Up to 35mph/56kmh on dual carriageways
- Up to 30mph/48kmh on other roads
AXLE LOADS
Up to 12,500KG (depending upon manufacturers plated capacity and axle spacing)
EXAMPLE 2.1
Assuming: Tractor Tare – 9,000KG and Trailer Tare – 15,000KG then max payload approx 45,000KG
EXAMPLE 2.2
Assuming: Tractor Tare – 9,000KG and Trailer Tare – 13,000KG then max payload approx 58,000KG
NOTIFICATION
This is basically a dimensional notification if
the following limits are exceeded.
TO POLICE
- If width exceeds 2,9m
- If overall rigid lengths exceeds 18,75m 2 clear days’ notice
- If overall combination length, including load, exceeds 25,9 m or if overhang exceeds 3,05m – 2 clear days’ notice
TO HIGHWAY AND BRIDGE AUTHORITIES (INCLUDING RAILWAYS, WATERWAYS ETC)
2 days clear notice – plus an indemnity to cover any damage to roads or structures
MULTIPLE LOADS
More than one abnormal load may be carried if the loads:
- Are each of the same character
- Were loaded at the same place
- Have the same destination
- And without altering the dimensions of the trailer to accommodate the second item
- The first item takes you outside of C&U regulations
GCW up to 150,000KG
PERMISSIBLE SPEEDS
- Up to 40mph/64kmh on motorways
- Up to 35mph/56kmh on dual carriageways
- Up to 30mph/48kmh on other roads
AXLE LOADS
Up to 16,500 KG (depending upon manufactures plated capacity and axle spacings)
TYPICAL COMBINATIONS
(NB: These figures depend upon suitable typical combinations and correct load positions)
Example 3.1: Up to 89,500KG
Assuming: Tractor Tare – 9,000KG and Trailer Tare – 16,000KG
then max payload 64,500KG @ 12mph/61,000KG @ 20mph/51,000KG @ 30mph/48kmh
Example 3.2: Up to 108,000KG
Assuming: Tractor Tare – 9,000KG and Trailer Tare – 22,000KG
then max payload 77,000KG @ 12mph/19kmh /70,000KG @ 20mph/32kmh /58,000KG @ 30mph/48kmh
Example 3.3: Up to 122,500KG
Assuming: Tractor Tare – 9,000KG and Trailer Tare – 25,000KG
then max payload 88,500KG @ 12mph/19kmh /82,000KG @ 20mph/32kmh /68,000KG @ 30mph/48kmh
Example 3.4: Up to 139,000KG
Assuming: Tractor Tare – 9,000KG and Trailer Tare – 28,000KG
then max payload 102,000KG @ 12mph/19kmh /94,000KG @ 20mph/32kmh /78,000KG @ 30mph/48kmh
NOTIFICATION
This is basically a dimensional notification if the following limits are exceeded.
TO POLICE
- If width exceeds 3m
- If overall rigid length exceeds 18.75m 2 clear days’ notice
- If overall combination length. Including load, exceeds 25.9m, or if overhang exceeds 3.05-2m 2 clear days’ notice
- If gross combination weight exceeds 81,000KG – notice required
TO HIGHWAYS AND BRIDGE AUTHORITIES (INCLUDING RAILWAYS, WATERWAYS ETC)
- 2 clear days’ notice- plus an indemnity to coverany damage to roads and structures
- If gross combination exceeds 80,000KG – 5 clear days’ notice
ATTENDANTS
It is always good practice to operate STGO combinations with both driver and attendant. The STGO requires attendants if the vehicle is over 18,75m long (or the combination is over 25,9m long), over 3,5m wide and if the forward projection exceeds 2m and/or rear projection exceeds 3m.
ESCORTS
The majority of loads can be self escorted “The Association of Chief Police Offers (ACPO), have issued guidelines for the use of private escorts. Escort arrangements for specific loads will be agreed at the time of the Police notification.
The Police and Highways Agency encourage hauliers to use self or private escorts. Police escorts will only be supplied if specifically requested and payment for their services will be required.
Self or private escorts should comply with the Highways Agency/ACPO Code of Practice although this a voluntary code and can only be used for evidential purposes in the event of an incident occurring, it is evidence of good practice and a standard tot which the Haulage Associations subscribe.