The House of Lords continues to debate the Crime and Policing Bill which has previously considered amendments aimed at addressing major inconsistencies in how police forces handle abnormal load movements including holiday caravans and lodges.
In a debate on 11 March a new Clause was considered that would:
• ‘establish a framework to regulate the fees charged to hauliers by police forces for escorting a vehicle or trailer carrying a load of exceptional dimensions and
• ‘set out the fees police forces may charge for escorting vehicles or trailers carrying a load of exceptional dimensions’
A number of Lords voiced their strong support for the amendment originally tabled by Lord Attlee.
Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay (Con) referenced the "excessive cost increases when transporting static caravans to and from holiday parks, as well as significant delays from an inconsistent application of embargoes by various police forces and ….the need for clarity and consistency”.
Lord Cameron of Lochiel (Con) also stressed the importance of “a clear national framework. It sets out when police escorts are truly necessary, as opposed to private self-escorts, and would establish a transparent schedule of fees. It also sensibly seeks to allow police forces to apply to the Secretary of State for flexibility in genuinely exceptional circumstances”.
Responding on behalf of the Government, Lord Katz (Lab) recognised “the aim of the amendment to improve consistency and predictability for operators moving such loads” but dismissed the need for a new statutory framework. He acknowledged the NPCC guidance published in May 2025 and commented specifically on the concerns raised around the adherence to the Guidance by the West Midlands police force which had attracted the intervention of the Policing Minister Sarah Jones MP.
Lord Katz confirmed that the Government will write to the NPCC following Royal Assent of the Bill to remind all forces of the need to follow the guidance.
Lord Parkinson commented “If we do not see the change in behaviour from police forces that we would like in this area, the growing band of noble Lords who are interested in this will seek further legislative opportunities—I hope, with the continued support of the Government”. Source: Crime and Policing Bill - Hansard - UK Parliament
Survey - have your say...
The Heavy Transport Association (HTA) is gathering feedback from abnormal loads hauliers and park operators on their recent experiences with police services. The survey (click here) is an opportunity to provide your experiences of engagement and consistency with regulatory authorities.
The NCC is working alongside the HTA and the Abnormal Loads Group (ALG) and the survey results will be shared at the next ALG meeting with the the NPCC as part of a review of the best practice guidance that was published last summer. If you move abnormal loads please complete this short survey which will help efforts to understand how well it’s being implemented and to reinforce best practice.
Complete the survey by 31 March.
