Following a meeting of the Abnormal Loads Group (ALG), we’re calling on operators to sign an open letter to the Policing Minister to back legislative reforms that support the delivery of critical infrastructure and housebuilding.
The letter asks the Minister to support the amendments tabled by Earl Attlee to the Crime and Policing Bill, which seek to address inconsistencies in how police forces handle heavy transport movements, and in particular, call for a national framework regulating when and how police forces charge for escorting (read the full letter below).
You can add your signature to the letter here.
NB: We have a short window of opportunity to influence the Bill, and signatures must be added by 5 December at the very latest.
Full Letter
Dear Minister
Support for Amendments 402 - 414 to the Crime and Policing Bill
We are writing to you as businesses who operate and rely on abnormal load transport, serving key infrastructure projects across the country, to ask you to support amendments to the Crime and Policing Bill.
Abnormal load movements - such as the transport of large construction materials, heavy machinery, caravans or modular building components - play a vital role in major infrastructure, housebuilding and the wider economy. Without reliable abnormal load logistics, builders would face delays, increased costs, and limitations on the types of materials or equipment they can use.
Independent economic analysis by the Centre for Economic and Business Research (CEBR) shows in stark terms the impact the current regulations are having. The current regulatory requirements are estimated to lead to reduced economic activity for the road haulage sector, amounting to a £1.5 billion loss over the next decade. This hampers economic growth and pushes up the cost of transporting essential goods and infrastructure.
We urge you to support the amendments tabled by Earl Attlee to the Crime and Policing Bill (HL Bill 111). These amendments, numbered 402 - 414, address major inconsistencies in how police forces handle heavy transport, abnormal load, caravan and mobile crane movements.
In particular, there is no national framework regulating when or how police forces charge for escorting or authorise these essential movements. This leads to arbitrary and excessive fees in some police force areas, creating uncertainty, delays, and financial burdens that hinder the timely delivery of vital infrastructure supporting housebuilding, net-zero goals and economic growth.
Earl Attlee's amendments seek to resolve this by:
- Requiring the Home Secretary to introduce clear regulations on police charging for escorts and authorisations
- Mandating that economic consequences be considered in decisions under Schedule 5 of the Road Vehicles (Authorisation of Special Types) Order 2003 (STGO), particularly regarding notice periods for vehicle authorisations.
These reforms would foster a fairer system, reduce regional disparities, and protect the sector's ability to contribute to the UK economy. The amendments are expected to be debated in committee from December 2025, with votes in early 2026, and already enjoy cross-party and strong industry backing.
Your support for these vital reforms would make a tangible difference to our sector and the communities we serve and the UK economy.
Yours sincerely,
Show your support - add your signature to the above letter here.
For maximum impact the HTA also urges Operators and customers to contact their local MPs and Peers with real-world examples of delays or overcharges - HTA's letter template.
