Supporting amendments on abnormal loads in the Crime and Policing Bill

The NCC has written to Sarah Jones MP at the Home Office, urging our support for amendments to the Crime and Policing Bill, tabled by Earl Attlee.

In an open letter, available to read here, we outline our support for the amendments and their aims to create consistency and put an end to the excessive fees endured by our members moving abnormal loads across the regions of the UK.

The letter has also been signed by: 

Darren Black, Willerby Limited                         

Graeme Craig, Omar Group

John Finch, Pemberton Park and Leisure Homes

Martyn Jones, Lloyds Caravan and Lodge Sales

Richard Jones, ABI Caravans

Bobby McGhee, Haulfryn Group Ltd

Marinos Molyneaux, Kendal Caravans Ltd

Mark Molyneaux, Kendal Caravans Ltd

Andrew Frank Parker, Flood Technology Group Ltd

Ian Pennell, Haven Holidays

Phil Tabiner, Kendal Caravans Ltd

Paul Tucker, Your Retreats

Reggie Wharton, Pathfinder Homes

Michael Wills, Pathfinder Homes

Steven Yates, Hanson European Caravan Transport Ltd

What do the amendments aim to do:

· Amendment 413: Mandates the Secretary of State to establish a national framework for police escort charging, promoting proportionality, transparency and national consistency.

· Amendments 402–404: Tackle judicial misinterpretation and modernise escorting powers with accreditation standards.

· Amendments 408–409, 412: Ease short-notice moves to prevent economic losses from rigid timelines.

· Amendment 409: Limits intrusive information requests to essentials only.

· Amendments 414: Embed economic impact considerations in Schedule 5 of the Road Vehicles (Authorisation of Special Types) Order 2003 (STGO) particularly regarding notice periods for vehicle authorisations.

Despite the revised National Police Chiefs Council Guidance on Abnormal Loads published in the summer, at present there is no national framework regulating when or how police forces charge for escorting or authorising these essential movements. This leads to arbitrary and excessive fees in some areas, while others provide the service at no cost. These are issues that directly impact on businesses and the wider economy.

The Crime and Policing Bill is progressing through the House of Lords – with committee debates scheduled for this month, and votes anticipated in early 2026.

NCC is encouraging members and their customers to lend support to these important amendments by contacting their local MPs and Peers with real-world examples of delays and/or overcharges, ask them to raise the issue in Commons debates or questions to highlight its economic and operational importance and to meet with you to discuss the impact on your business. A template letter is available to download here.