Definition:
Vehicles wider than 3.05m (10'0") and/or heavier than 44 tonnes are classed as an abnormal load.

1. INDEMNITY FORMS
Loads that are wider or heavier than permitted by the Construction and Use Regulations are required by law to give us prior notice of their journey and to indemnify us against damage to the Bridge. The driver of the vehicle will be required to complete a HBB indemnity form before being allowed to cross the Bridge.

2. ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE
The Duty Inspector is to satisfy himself that we have adequate information about the weight and size of any abnormal load (eg sight of the driver's movement papers), failing which, the movement will not be allowed.

3. LOADS ARRIVING WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE
Regardless of whether they carry movement papers, any such loads that are wider than 3.5m (11'6") or heavier than 44 tonnes will be checked with the Police prior to the movement being allowed. If it transpires that the load is moving without Police authorisation, the guidance of the Police will be sought.

4. ESCORT PROCEDURES
Loads heavier than 75 tonnes or heavier than 50 tonnes and wider than 3.5m (11'6") will be escorted.

5. HIGH WINDS
Bulky, light abnormal loads (portable buildings etc,) may be vulnerable to the effects of cross winds and this will be considered before such movements are allowed.

In the case of heavy loads, if there is a cross wind stronger than 15 metres per second and the load is moving in the windward carriageway, all loads heavier than 50 tonnes shall, for escort purposes and for the purpose of dealing with them if they break down, be treated as if they weighed more than 75 tonnes and subjected to the full procedures set out above.

6. ABNORMAL LOAD CHARGES