The Road Vehicles (Authorisation of Special Types) (General) Order 2003

11

For the purposes of Type I tests conducted, in accordance with paragraph 1.3 of Annex II to Council Directive 71/320/EEC, on a vehicle that is designed and constructed for use as part of an AILV-combination falling within Category 3, the reference to a laden vehicle is to be taken to be a reference to a vehicle laden with the heaviest weight possible without the sum of the weights transmitted to the road surface by all the wheels of any one axle exceeding 12,500 kilograms.

12

The requirements of paragraph 2.1.3.2 of Annex II to Council Directive 71/320/EEC do not apply if wheel chocks are provided with the AILV or AILV-combination and the wheel chocks are—

• (a) suitable and sufficient;

• (b) readily accessible; and

• (c) capable, when used in conjunction with any parking brakes fitted to the vehicle, of holding the vehicle stationary when loaded to its maximum mass on a gradient of 12%.

PART 3 — PLATES AND SIGNS

Plates

13

• (1) An AILV falling within Category 2 or 3 must be equipped with a plate that is—

• (a) securely fixed to the vehicle in a conspicuous and readily accessible position;

• (b) marked clearly with the words “SPECIAL TYPES USE”; and

• (c) indelibly marked with letters and figures, not less than 4 millimetres high, containing the information specified in sub-paragraph (2).

• (2) For each of the speeds listed in paragraph (a) to (e), the plate must indicate each of the relevant maximum weights at which, in the opinion of the manufacturer of the vehicle, the AILV may be used when travelling on roads at or below the speed in question—

• (a) 20 miles per hour;

• (b) 25 miles per hour;

• (c) 30 miles per hour;

• (d) 35 miles per hour;

• (e) 40 miles per hour.

• (3) The relevant maximum weights are—

• (a) in the case of an AILV that is a motor vehicle—

• (i) the maximum axle weight for each axle (within the meaning of the note to item 6 of Part 1 of Schedule 8 to the Construction and Use Regulations);

• (ii) the maximum gross weight (within the meaning of the note to item 7 of that Part of that Schedule); and

• (iii) the maximum train weight (within the meaning of the note to item 8 of that Part of that Schedule);

• (b) in the case of an AILV that is a trailer—

• (i) the maximum weight for each axle (within the meaning of the note to item 4 of Part 2 of Schedule 8 to the Construction and Use Regulations);

• (ii) the maximum load to be imposed on the towing vehicle (within the meaning of the note to item 5 of that Part of that Schedule); and

• (iii) the maximum gross weight (within the meaning of the note to item 6 of that Part of that Schedule).

• (4) This paragraph does not apply to any vehicle that was manufactured before 29th July 1983²⁴.

14

Where an AlLV-combination consists of two or more modules, each module may be fitted with a separate plate if the information required from the plate in relation to the AILV as a whole can be readily determined from the individual plates.

Signs

15

• (1) Each AILV or AILV-combination must be fitted with—

• (a) a sign that indicates which of Categories 1, 2 or 3 the AILV or AILV-combination falls into; or

• (b) a sign that is approved in connection with vehicles carrying loads of exceptional dimensions by the appropriate authority in another EEA State or in any other country which is a member of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe.

• (2) A sign falling within sub-paragraph (1)(a) must—

• (a) be mounted in a clearly visible position on the front of the vehicle (or, in the case of an AILV-combination, on the front of the foremost motor vehicle);

• (b) face forwards;

• (c) be as near to the vertical plane as possible;

• (d) be kept clean and unobscured at all times; and

• (e) except as stated in sub-paragraph (3), consist of white letters on a black background in the following format (specifying Category 1, 2 or 3, as appropriate to the vehicle in question)—

• (3) The dimensions of the sign specified for the purposes of sub-paragraph (2)(e) may vary up or down by a margin of 5 per cent.

PART 4 — CONDITIONS RELATING TO USE

General restrictions

16

An AILV must not be used on roads for, or in connection with, the carriage of any load that may safely be carried on a vehicle (or vehicle-combination) that complies in all respects with the Construction and Use Regulations and the Authorised Weight Regulations.

17

• (1) Except as stated in paragraph 19, an AILV that falls within paragraph 3(a) or (b) may be used on roads only for, or in connection with—

• (a) the carriage of an abnormal indivisible load; or

• (b) the carriage of a load of exceptional width.

• (2) Where the overall width of such an AILV exceeds 3 metres, it must not be used for, or in connection with, the carriage of any load except one that can only safely be carried on an AILV with an overall width exceeding 3 metres.

• (3) The reference to the carriage of a load of exceptional width is to be construed in accordance with article 28(2).

18

• (1) Except as stated in paragraph 19, an AILV that falls within paragraph 3(c) or (d) may be used on roads only for, or in connection with, the towing of another AILV which is a trailer.

• (2) Where the overall width of such a towing vehicle exceeds 3 metres, it must not be used unless—

• (a) the trailer it is towing has an overall width exceeding 3 metres; and

• (b) the load can only safely be carried on such a trailer.

19

At any time when an AILV-combination consisting of two or more modules—

• (a) is being used on roads in connection with the carriage of an abnormal indivisible load; but

• (b) is not at that time carrying such a load;

the modules may be disassembled into two or more parts so that one part may carry any other.

Restrictions on carriage of multiple loads

20

• (1) An AILV or AILV-combination may carry only one abnormal indivisible load at any one time.

• (2) But that is subject to paragraphs 21 to 23.

21

• (1) If the conditions specified in sub-paragraph (2) are satisfied, an AILV or AlLV-combination which falls within Category 1 may carry—

• (a) two or more abnormal indivisible loads which are of the same character; or

• (b) an abnormal indivisible load together with articles of a character similar to the load.

• (2) The conditions are that—

• (a) the abnormal indivisible load or loads to be carried cannot, if they were carried separately, safely be carried on a vehicle (or vehicle-combination) that complies in all respects with the Construction and Use Regulations and the Authorised Weight Regulations; and

• (b) the AILV or AILV-combination carrying items specified in sub-paragraph (1) does not exceed any of the restrictions on weight specified in paragraph 28 or 29.

• (3) Sub-paragraph (1) does not apply to an AILV-combination that falls within Category 1 only by virtue of paragraph 28(3).

22

• (1) If the conditions specified in sub-paragraph (2) are satisfied, an AILV or AILV-combination which falls within Category 1 or 2 may carry two or more abnormal indivisible loads if each load is of the same character, loaded at the same place and carried to the same destination.

• (2) The conditions are that—

• (a) each of the abnormal indivisible loads to be carried cannot, if they were carried separately, safely be carried on a vehicle (or vehicle-combination) that complies in all respects with the Construction and Use Regulations and the Authorised Weight Regulations;

• (b) the overall width of any vehicle used does not exceed the width of vehicle necessary to carry the widest single load;

• (c) the overall length of the AILV or the AILV-combination does not exceed the length necessary to carry the longest single load;

• (d) the AILV or AILV-combination carrying the loads specified in sub-paragraph (1) does not exceed—

• (i) for a Category 1 AILV or AILV-combination, any of the restrictions on weight specified in paragraph 28 or 29;

• (ii) for a Category 2 AILV or AILV-combination, any of the restrictions on weight specified in paragraph 30 or 31; and

• (e) the loads carried by virtue of this paragraph are not in addition to any items permitted to be carried by paragraph 21.

23

An AILV, or AILV-combination, that falls within Category 1 or 2 may carry an abnormal indivisible load consisting of engineering plant, together with constituent parts detached from the plant, if—

• (a) the engineering plant and its detached parts are loaded at the same place and carried to the same destination; and

• (b) the detached parts do not constitute any lateral, forward or rearward projection of the load that exceeds any projection that there would be without those parts.

Maximum width

24

• (1) An AILV or AILV-combination must not exceed the maximum overall width.

• (2) The maximum overall width is exceeded in any case where the overall width of the AILV (or of any AILV in the combination), together with the width of any lateral projection or projections of any load carried on it, exceeds 6.1 metres.

Maximum length

25

• (1) The maximum length of an AILV or AILV-combination used to carry an abnormal indivisible load must not exceed 30 metres.

• (2) The maximum length of an AILV or AILV-combination falling within any of sub-paragraphs (3) to (6) is to be determined in accordance with the sub-paragraph in question.

• (3) Where the weight of the load rests wholly on an AILV that is a motor vehicle of category N3, the maximum length of the AILV is the overall length of the motor vehicle together with the length of any forward or rearward projection of the load.

• (4) In the case of an AILV-combination that is configured so that the weight of the load rests wholly on a trailer of category O4, the maximum length of the AILV-combination is the overall length of the trailer together with the length of any forward or rearward projection of the load.

• (5) In the case of an AILV-combination consisting only of a motor vehicle and a trailer, and which is configured so that the weight of the load rests on both vehicles (whether or not they form an articulated vehicle), the maximum length is the overall length of the trailer together with—

• (a) the length of any projection of the load in front of the foremost part of the trailer; and

• (b) the length of any rearward projection of the load.

• (6) In the case of an AILV-combination (other than one falling within sub-paragraph (4) or (5)) which is configured so that that the weight of the load rests on at least two vehicles, the maximum length is the overall length of all the vehicles that bear the weight of the load together with—

• (a) the length of any distance between them; and

• (b) the length of any forward or rearward projection of the load.

Restrictions relating to weight: all AILVs and AILV-combinations

26

No AILV or AILV-combination may exceed the restrictions as to weight that apply to a Category 3 AILV or AILV-combination.

27

• (1) An AILV falling within Category 1 must not exceed any of the maximum weights specified on any plate required to be fitted to it by regulation 66 of the Construction and Use Regulations.

• (2) An AILV falling within Category 2 or 3 must not exceed any of the maximum weights (for the speed at which it is travelling) specified on the plate required to be fitted to it by paragraph 13.

• (3) Sub-paragraph (2) does not apply to any trailer first used before 29th July 1983²⁵.

Restrictions relating to weight: Category 1 AILVs and AILV-combinations

28

• (1) The total weight of any Category 1 AILV carrying a load must not exceed the maximum authorised weight for a vehicle of that description determined in accordance with Schedule 1 to the Authorised Weight Regulations.

• (2) The total weight of such of the vehicles comprised in a Category 1 AILV-combination as are carrying a load must not exceed 46,000 kilograms.

• (3) But the weight restrictions imposed by sub-paragraphs (1) and (2) may be exceeded by a Category 1 AILV-combination if—

• (a) the combination has at least 6 axles;

• (b) the total weight of the vehicle or vehicles carrying the load does not exceed 50,000 kilograms; and

• (c) the combination complies in all other respects with the Authorised Weight Regulations, as those Regulations apply to a vehicle or vehicle-combination of 44,000 kilograms.

• (4) Where a Category 1 AILV or AILV-combination is one to which the Authorised Weight Regulations do not apply, references to provisions of those Regulations are to be taken as references to the equivalent provisions of the Construction and Use Regulations.

29

• (1) The total weight of—

• (a) any Category 1 AILV carrying a load; or

• (b) such of the vehicles comprised in a Category 1 AILV-combination as are carrying a load;

must be transmitted to the road through 5 or more axles.

• (2) In relation to any Category 1 AILV or AILV-combination (including one falling within paragraph 28(3)), the axle weight for an axle of any description must not exceed the maximum authorised weight for an axle of that description determined in accordance with Schedule 3 to the Authorised Weight Regulations.

• (3) Where a Category 1 AILV or AILV-combination is one to which the Authorised Weight Regulations do not apply, the reference to Schedule 3 of those Regulations is to be taken as a reference to the equivalent provisions of the Construction and Use Regulations.

Restrictions relating to weight: Category 2 AILVs and AILV-combinations

30

• (1) The total weight of—

• (a) any Category 2 AILV carrying a load; or

• (b) such of the vehicles comprised in a Category 2 AILV-combination as are carrying a load;

must not exceed 80,000 kilograms.

• (2) Where the weight calculated in accordance with sub-paragraph (3), in relation to any Category 2 AILV or AILV-combination, is less than 80,000 kilograms, the total weight of the vehicle or vehicles described in sub-paragraph (1)(a) or (b) must not exceed that lesser weight.

• (3) The weight calculated in accordance with this sub-paragraph is the number (expressed in kilograms) equal to the product of the following equation and then rounded up to the nearest 10 kilograms—

$D×7,500$

• (4) In sub-paragraph (3), D is the distance (measured in metres) between—

• (a) in the case of an AILV, the foremost axle and the rearmost axle of the AILV carrying the load;

• (b) in the case of an AILV-combination that is an articulated vehicle, the kingpin and the rearmost axle on the semi-trailer; or

• (c) in the case of any other description of AILV-combination, the foremost axle and the rearmost axle of the group comprising all those vehicles in the combination that are carrying a load.

31

• (1) The total weight of—

• (a) any Category 2 AILV carrying a load; or

• (b) such of the vehicles comprised in a Category 2 AILV-combination as are carrying a load;

must be transmitted to the road through 6 or more axles.

• (2) In sub-paragraphs (3) to (5) “load-bearing vehicle” means a vehicle mentioned in sub-paragraph (1)(a) or (b).

• (3) The distance between any two adjacent axles of a load-bearing vehicle must not be less than 1 metre.

• (4) Where the distance between two adjacent axles of a load-bearing vehicle is the distance specified in column 1 of Table 1, the axle weight must not exceed the weight specified in column 2 and the wheel weight must not exceed the weight specified in column 3.

Distance between adjacent axles	Axle weight	Wheel weight
(Column 1)	(Column 2)	(Column 3)
Less than 1.35 metres	12,000 kilograms	6,000 kilograms
1.35 metres or more	12,500 kilograms	6,250 kilograms

• (5) But where—

• (a) a load-bearing vehicle has axles in two or more groups of axles;

• (b) the distance between the adjacent axles in each group is less than 2 metres; and

• (c) the distance between the adjacent axles in different groups is more than 2 metres;

the sum of the weights transmitted to the road surface by all the wheels in any group must not exceed 50,000 kilograms.

Restrictions relating to weight: Category 3 AILVs and AILV-combinations

32

• (1) The total weight of—

• (a) any Category 3 AILV carrying a load; or

• (b) such of the vehicles comprised in a Category 3 AILV-combination as are carrying a load;

must not exceed 150,000 kilograms.

• (2) Where the weight calculated in accordance with sub-paragraph (3), in relation to any Category 3 AILV or AILV-combination, is less than 150,000 kilograms, the total weight of the vehicle or vehicles described in sub-paragraph (1)(a) or (b) must not exceed that lesser weight.

• (3) The weight calculated in accordance with this sub-paragraph is the number (expressed in kilograms) equal to the product of the following equation and then rounded up to the nearest 10 kilograms—

$D×12,500$

• (4) In sub-paragraph (3), D is the distance (measured in metres) between—

• (a) in the case of an AILV, the foremost axle and the rearmost axle of the AILV carrying the load;

• (b) in the case of an AILV-combination that is an articulated vehicle, the kingpin and the rearmost axle on the semi-trailer; or

• (c) in the case of any other description of AILV-combination, the foremost axle and the rearmost axle of the group comprising all those vehicles in the combination that are carrying a load.

33

• (1) The total weight of—

• (a) any Category 3 AILV carrying a load; or

• (b) such of the vehicles comprised in a Category 3 AILV-combination as are carrying a load;

must be transmitted to the road through 6 or more axles.

• (2) In sub-paragraphs (3) to (5) “load-bearing vehicle” means a vehicle mentioned in sub-paragraph (1)(a) or (b).

• (3) The distance between any two adjacent axles of a load-bearing vehicle must not be less than 1 metre.

• (4) Where the distance between two adjacent axles of a load-bearing vehicle is the distance specified in column 1 of Table 2, the axle weight must not exceed the weight specified in column 2 and the wheel weight must not exceed the weight specified in column 3.

Distance between adjacent axles	Axle weight	Wheel weight
(Column 1)	(Column 2)	(Column 3)
Less than 1.35 metres	15,000 kilograms	7,500 kilograms
1.35 metres or more	16,500 kilograms	8,250 kilograms

• (5) But where—

• (a) a load-bearing vehicle has axles in two or more groups of axles;

• (b) the distance between the adjacent axles in each group is less than 1.5 metres; and

• (c) the distance between the adjacent axles in different groups is more than 1.5 metres;

the sum of the weights transmitted to the road surface by all the wheels in any group must not exceed the overall maximum weight.

• (6) The overall maximum weight is—

• (a) 90,000 kilograms if the distance specified in sub-paragraph (5)(b) is less than 1.35 metres; and

• (b) 100,000 kilograms in any other case.

Speed restrictions

34

• (1) An AILV falling within Category 2 or 3 must not exceed any speed specified on the plate required by paragraph 13.

• (2) An AILV, or AILV-combination, falling within Category 1, 2 or 3 must not travel on a motorway, dual carriageway or other description of road at speeds exceeding the speed specified in Table 3 for that Category in respect of the description of road in question.

AILV or AILV-combination	Motorway	Dual carriageway	Other roads
Category 1	60 mph	50 mph	40 mph
Category 2 or 3	40 mph	35 mph	30 mph

• (3) Nothing in this Schedule is to be taken to authorise travel at any speed in excess of any speed restriction imposed by or under any other enactment.

PART 5 — APPLICATION OF REGULATIONS MADE UNDER SECTION 41 OF THE ROAD TRAFFIC ACT 1988

Category 1 AILVs and AILV-combinations

35

Any AILV or AILV-combination falling within Category 1 must, unless it falls within paragraph 37, comply with—

• (a) the Construction and Use Regulations, apart from the provisions of those Regulations specified in Table 4;

• (b) the Authorised Weight Regulations; and

• (c) the Lighting Regulations.

Non-applicable Regulations	Subject
7	Length
8	Width
80	Over-riding weight regulations
82	Restrictions on use of vehicles carrying wide or long loads

Category 2 or 3 AILVs and AILV-combinations

36

Any AILV or AILV-combination falling within Category 2 or 3 must, unless it falls within paragraph 37, comply with—

• (a) the Construction and Use Regulations, apart from the provisions of those Regulations specified in Table 5; and

• (b) the Lighting Regulations.

Non-applicable Regulations	Subject
7	Length
8	Width
15, 16	Braking systems
18(1A) to (9)	Maintenance and efficiency of brakes
25	Tyre loads and speed ratings
64	Spray suppression devices
65	Maintenance of spray suppression devices
75(1), in so far as it relates to items 1-4, 6-11, 15 and 16 of the Table26	Maximum permitted laden weight of vehicle
76 to 80	Other maximum permitted weight limits of vehicle and trailer, other than articulated vehicle
82	Restrictions on use of vehicles carrying wide or long loads
83(1)	Number of trailers

AILVs manufactured before 1st October 1989

37

Instead of paragraphs 35 and 36, article 18(2)(p) of the Motor Vehicles (Authorisation of Special Types) General Order 1979²⁷ continues to apply to any AILV manufactured before 1st October 1989, to the same extent as it applied before the coming into force of this Schedule.

SCHEDULE 2 — MOBILE CRANES

PART 1 — DEFINED TERMS

General

1

In this Schedule—

• “Goods Vehicles Type Approval Regulations” means the requirements applicable to goods vehicles which are prescribed by regulations made under section 54(1) of the Road Traffic Act 1988²⁸; and

• “manufacturer”— in relation to a mobile crane constructed with a chassis that has not previously formed part of another vehicle, means the person by whom that chassis was made; and in relation to any other mobile crane, means the person by whom that mobile crane was constructed or adapted.

Meaning of mobile crane

2

• (1) In this Order “mobile crane” means a motor vehicle which satisfies the five conditions specified in sub-paragraphs (2) to (6).

• (2) The first condition is that the motor vehicle is specially designed and constructed, or is specially adapted, for the special purposes of lifting operations that cannot safely be carried out by a motor vehicle or trailer that complies in all respects with—

• (a) the Construction and Use Regulations;

• (b) the Authorised Weight Regulations; and

• (c) the Goods Vehicles Type Approval Regulations.

• (3) The second condition is that the gross weight of the crane exceeds 12,000 kilograms.

• (4) The third condition is that the motor vehicle has crane apparatus permanently mounted as part of the vehicle chassis design.

• (5) The fourth condition is that the motor vehicle is operated by a driver or other person riding on it.

• (6) The fifth condition is that the motor vehicle meets the requirements for registered use as a mobile crane under Part 4 of Schedule 1 to the Vehicle and Excise Registration Act 1994²⁹.

• (7) Any other motor vehicle which satisfies these conditions, but which does not comply in all respects with the authorisation requirements for mobile cranes specified in this Schedule, may nevertheless fall within the recognised category of special vehicles consisting of engineering plant if it satisfies the conditions specified in paragraph 2 of Schedule 3 and complies with the authorisation requirements applicable to engineering plant.

Category A, B or C mobile cranes

3

• (1) For the purposes of this Schedule, a mobile crane falls within Category A if—

• (a) it does not exceed the restrictions on plated vehicle or axle weight specified in paragraph 30; and

• (b) it complies with any other requirements imposed by that paragraph;

and references to a Category mobile cranes are to be construed accordingly.

• (2) For the purposes of this Schedule, a mobile crane falls within Category B if—

• (a) it does not fall within Category A;

• (b) it does not exceed the restrictions on plated vehicle or axle weight specified in paragraph 31; and

• (c) it complies with any other requirements imposed by that paragraph;

and references to a Category B mobile crane are to be construed accordingly.

• (3) For the purposes of this Schedule, a mobile crane falls within Category C if—

• (a) it does not fall within Category A or B;

• (b) it does not exceed the restrictions on plated vehicle or axle weight specified in paragraph 32; and

• (c) it complies with any other requirements imposed by that paragraph;

and references to a Category C mobile crane are to be construed accordingly.

PART 2 — CONSTRUCTION

Wheeled vehicles

4

A mobile crane must be a wheeled vehicle.

Tyres

5

Every wheel of a mobile crane must be fitted with a pneumatic tyre.

Suspension

6

A mobile crane must have suspension on all axles.

Braking requirements

7

A mobile crane must be fitted with—

• (a) an efficient brake capable of braking the mobile crane at the maximum weight permitted under paragraphs 28 to 32 for a mobile crane of the Category in question when travelling at the maximum speeds for that Category permitted by this Schedule; and

• (b) an efficient parking brake capable of holding the mobile crane stationary when necessary.

8

• (1) A mobile crane is to be treated as being fitted with a brake that complies with paragraph 7 if it is fitted with a braking system that meets the construction, fitting and performance requirements for motor vehicles of category N3 set out—

• (a) in Annexes I, II and VII to Council Directive 71/320/EEC; and

• (b) if appropriate, in Annexes III, IV, V, VI and X to that Directive.

• (2) But, in their application to a mobile crane which has a maximum axle weight exceeding 12,500 kilograms, those requirements are subject to the modifications in paragraphs 9 to 12.

9

• (1) The following modifications apply for the purposes of each Type O test conducted in accordance with Annex II to Council Directive 71/320/EEC.

• (2) References to a laden vehicle are to be taken to be references to a vehicle laden with the maximum technically permissible mass specified by the manufacturer for the vehicle speed specified for the test.

• (3) If the performance of a service braking device is determined by measuring the stopping distance in relation to the initial speed, the stopping distance in paragraph 2.1.1.1.1 of Annex II is to be taken to be—

$0.15v+v277.5$

• (4) If the performance of the service braking device is determined by measuring the reaction time and the mean deceleration, the mean braking deceleration at normal engine speed in paragraph 2.1.1.1.1 of Annex II is to be taken to be at least 3 m/s².

• (5) If the performance of a secondary braking device is determined by measuring the stopping distance in relation to the initial speed, the stopping distance in paragraph 2.1.2.1 of Annex II is to be taken to be—

$0.15v+v237.5$

• (6) If the performance of the secondary braking device is determined by measuring the reaction time and the mean deceleration, the mean braking deceleration in paragraph 2.1.2.1 of Annex II is to be taken to be at least 1.45 m/s².

10

• (1) The requirements of paragraphs 2.2.1.22 and 2.2.2.13 of Annex I to Council Directive 71/320/EEC do not apply.

• (2) The requirements of paragraphs 1.1.4.2 and 1.4 of Annex II to Council Directive 71/320/EEC do not apply.

• (3) In Annex I to Council Directive 71/320/EEC—

• (a) in paragraph 2.2.1.23 the words “not mentioned in item 2.2.1.22 above” do not apply; and

• (b) in paragraph 2.2.2.14 the words “not mentioned in item 2.2.2.13 above” do not apply.

11

For the purposes of Type I tests conducted, in accordance with paragraph 1.3 of Annex II to Council Directive 71/320/EEC, on a mobile crane falling within paragraph 9(3) of this Schedule, the reference to a laden vehicle is to be taken to be a reference to a vehicle laden with the heaviest weight possible without the sum of the weights transmitted to the road surface by all the wheels of any one axle exceeding 12,500 kilograms.

12

The requirements of paragraph 2.1.3.2 of Annex II to Council Directive 71/320/EEC do not apply if wheel chocks are provided with the mobile crane and the wheel chocks are—

• (a) suitable and sufficient;

• (b) readily accessible; and

• (c) capable, when used in conjunction with any parking brakes fitted to the vehicle, of holding the vehicle stationary when loaded to its maximum mass on a gradient of 12 per cent.

Design speed

13

• (1) A mobile crane that is specially adapted for the special purposes of lifting operations (as mentioned in paragraph 2(2)) must, when that adaptation is carried out, also be adapted as necessary so that it may operate on roads at speeds of 25 miles per hour or more.

• (2) Any other mobile crane must be designed and constructed to operate on roads at speeds of 25 miles per hour or more.

Warning beacon

14

A warning beacon emitting an amber light must be fitted to a mobile crane.

PART 3 — PLATES

15

• (1) A mobile crane must be equipped with a plate that is—

• (a) securely fixed to the mobile crane in a conspicuous and readily accessible position; and

• (b) indelibly marked with letters and figures, not less than 6 millimetres high, containing the information relating to the mobile crane which is specified in sub-paragraph (2).

• (2) The information is—

• (a) the maximum axle weight for each axle, determined in accordance with sub-paragraph (3); and

• (b) the maximum gross weight, determined in accordance with that sub-paragraph.

• (3) A maximum weight is determined in accordance with this sub-paragraph if—

• (a) in the case of a vehicle which is specially adapted to be a mobile crane and to which the Goods Vehicles Type Approval Regulations applied immediately before such adaptation, it is the maximum weight at or below which the vehicle is considered fit for use by the Secretary of State; and

• (b) in any other case, it is the maximum weight at or below which the mobile crane is considered fit for use by the manufacturer of the mobile crane.

• (4) In determining a maximum weight for the purposes of sub-paragraph (3), the person making the determination must have regard to—

• (a) the design, construction and equipment of the mobile crane; and

• (b) the stresses to which it is likely to be subject when in use.

16

• (1) Where, in accordance with regulation 66 (plates for goods vehicles and buses) or 71 (marking of weights on certain vehicles) of the Construction and Use Regulations, a mobile crane is already fitted with a plate (“the original plate”), paragraph 15 does not require the crane—

• (a) to be fitted with an additional plate; or

• (b) to have additional information stamped on the original plate;

if the condition set out in sub-paragraph (2) is satisfied.

• (2) The condition is that, at all times when the mobile crane is used on roads the gross weight of the crane does not exceed either the maximum gross weight stated on the original plate or, if no gross weight is so stated, the maximum unladen weight stated on the original plate.

17

• (1) In this paragraph “qualified person” means—

• (a) the manufacturer of the vehicle (or a person duly authorised on his behalf);

• (b) a person carrying on business as a manufacturer of motor vehicles or trailers (or a person duly authorised on his behalf); or

• (c) a person authorised under this sub-paragraph by the Secretary of State.

• (2) No person may make any alteration to a mobile crane with a view to making it fit for use at any weight exceeding the weights stated on a plate fitted to it as mentioned in paragraph 15 or 16 unless he is a qualified person.

• (3) Where such an alteration is made—

• (a) the existing plate must be updated to show, for each description of maximum weight referred to in paragraph 15(2)(a) or (b), the new maximum at or below which the qualified person considers that the mobile crane will then be fit for use; or

• (b) an additional plate must be added showing such new maximum weights.

• (4) The following details must also be shown on the plate that shows the new weights—

• (a) the name of the qualified person;

• (b) an indication that he is the person responsible for determining the new weights; and

• (c) where he is a qualified person authorised by the Secretary of State under sub-paragraph (1)(c), an indication of that fact.

• (5) In determining a maximum weight for the purposes of sub-paragraph (3), the qualified person must have regard to—

• (a) the design, construction and equipment of the mobile crane;

• (b) the alterations made to it; and

• (c) the stresses to which it is likely to be subject when in use.

18

Any additional plate that is specially fitted to a vehicle in order to comply with paragraph 15 or 17(3)(b) must be marked clearly with the words “SPECIAL TYPES USE”.

PART 4 — CONDITIONS RELATING TO USE

General restrictions

19

A mobile crane may only be used on roads for—

• (a) testing;

• (b) demonstration;

• (c) delivery on sale;

• (d) proceeding to, or returning from, a manufacturer or repairer;

• (e) proceeding to, or returning from, the site of lifting operations; or

• (f) carrying out such operations.

20

A mobile crane that has an overall width exceeding 3 metres may only be used on roads for, or in connection with, lifting operations that are of the character that the mobile crane is specially designed and constructed, or adapted, to carry out.

21

• (1) When a mobile crane is used on roads, the beacon fitted to it under paragraph 14 must be kept lit—

• (a) when the crane is stationary at the site of the operations at which it is to be used; or

• (b) when the crane is unable, on account of the weather conditions or otherwise, to maintain speeds appropriate to the road.

• (2) But, in the circumstances described in sub-paragraph (1)(a), the beacon may be switched off if—

• (a) there is no reasonable prospect of the presence of the mobile crane causing a hazard to persons using the road (so that it is not necessary or desirable to warn persons of its presence); or

• (b) it is likely that the use of the beacon could confuse or mislead other road users.

Restriction on carriage of loads etc

22

• (1) Any mobile crane that is used on roads must not—

• (a) carry any load; or

• (b) transport any goods or burden.

• (2) But that is subject to paragraphs 23 and 24.

23

A mobile crane may carry its own necessary gear and equipment.

24

A mobile crane may lift or transport goods or burden in the course of carrying out lifting operations.

Restriction on towing trailers

25

A mobile crane must not tow any trailer.

Maximum width

26

The overall width of a mobile crane, together with the width of any lateral projection or projections of any load carried on it in accordance with this Schedule, must not exceed 6.1 metres.

Maximum length

27

The overall length of a mobile crane, together with any forward or rearward projections of any load carried on it in accordance with this Schedule, must not exceed 30 metres.

Restrictions relating to weight: all mobile cranes

28

No mobile crane may exceed any of the restrictions as to weight that apply to a Category C mobile crane.

29

No mobile crane may exceed—

• (a) any of the maximum weights, as determined by paragraphs 30 to 32, which are specified on the plate or plates fitted to it in accordance with paragraphs 15 to 18; or,

• (b) in the case of a Category C mobile crane, such lesser maximum weight as may result from the calculation set out in paragraph 32(3).

Restrictions relating to weight: Category A mobile cranes

30

• (1) For a Category A mobile crane, the maximum axle weight that may be specified on the plate fitted to it in accordance with paragraphs 15 to 18 is—

• (a) 11,500 kilograms for a single driving axle; and

• (b) 10,000 kilograms for a single non-driving axle.

• (2) No Category A mobile crane may have more than four axles.

• (3) For a Category A mobile crane with the number of axles specified in column 1 of an entry in Table 6—

• (a) the distance between the two outermost axles of the crane must be at least the length specified in column 2 of the same entry; and

• (b) the maximum gross weight of the crane that may be specified on the plate fitted to the crane in accordance with paragraphs 15 to 18 is the weight specified in column 3 of the same entry.

Number of axles	Minimum distance between outermost axles	Maximum gross weight of crane
(Column 1)	(Column 2)	(Column 3)
2	3 metres	20,000 kilograms
3	5 metres	30,000 kilograms
4	6 metres	36,000 kilograms

Restrictions relating to weight: Category B mobile cranes

31

• (1) For a Category B mobile crane, the maximum axle weight that may be specified on the plate fitted to it in accordance with paragraphs 15 to 18 is 12,500 kilograms.

• (2) The maximum gross weight of a Category B mobile crane that may be specified on the plate fitted to it in accordance with paragraphs 15 to 18 is the number (expressed in kilograms) equal to the product of the following equation and then rounded up to the nearest 10 kilograms—

$N×12,500$

• (3) In sub-paragraph (2), N is the number of axles on the crane.

Restrictions relating to weight: Category C mobile cranes

32

• (1) For a Category C mobile crane, the maximum axle weight that may be specified on the plate fitted to it in accordance with paragraphs 15 to 18 is 16,500 kilograms.

• (2) The maximum gross weight of a Category C mobile crane that may be specified on the plate fitted to it in accordance with paragraphs 15 to 18 is 150,000 kilograms.

• (3) But where, in respect of any particular Category C mobile crane, the weight calculated in accordance with sub-paragraph (4) is less than 150,000 kilograms, the gross weight of that crane must not exceed that lesser weight.

• (4) The weight calculated in accordance with this sub-paragraph is the number (expressed in kilograms) equal to the product of the following equation and then rounded up to the nearest 10 kilograms—

$N×16,500$

• (5) In sub-paragraph (4), N is the number of axles on the crane.

Speed restrictions

33

• (1) A mobile crane falling within Category A, B or C must not travel on a motorway, dual carriageway or other description of road at speeds exceeding the speed specified in Table 7 for that Category in respect of the description of road in question.

Category of mobile crane	Motorway	Dual carriageway	Other roads
Category A	60 mph	50 mph	40 mph
Category B	50 mph	45 mph	40 mph
Category C	40 mph	35 mph	30 mph

• (2) Nothing in this Schedule is to be taken to authorise travel at—

• (a) any speed in excess of any speed restriction imposed by or under any other enactment; or

• (b) in the case of a mobile crane referred to in paragraph 2(7) which falls within the recognised category of special vehicles consisting of engineering plant, any speed in excess of those specified in paragraph 20 of Schedule 3.

PART 5 — APPLICATION OF REGULATIONS MADE UNDER SECTION 41 OF THE ROAD TRAFFIC ACT 1988

Category A mobile cranes

34

• (1) A Category A mobile crane must comply with—

• (a) the Construction and Use Regulations, apart from the provisions of those Regulations specified in Table 8; and

• (b) the Lighting Regulations.

Non-applicable Regulations	Subject
8	Width
80	Over-riding weight regulations

Category B or C mobile cranes

35

• (1) A Category B or C mobile crane must comply with—

• (a) the Construction and Use Regulations, apart from the provisions of those Regulations specified in Table 9; and

• (b) the Lighting Regulations.

• (2) But regulations 49, 51, 64 and 65 are disapplied in relation to a Category B or C mobile crane only to the extent that it is not possible for the crane to comply with those regulations on account of the need to perform the lifting operations that it is specially designed and constructed (or specially adapted) to carry out.

Non-applicable Regulations	Subject
7	Length
8	Width
15,16	Braking systems
18(1A) to (9)	Maintenance and efficiency of brakes
25	Tyre loads and speed ratings
49	Rear under-run protection
51	Sideguards
64	Spray suppression devices
65	Maintenance of spray suppression devices
75 to 80	Other maximum permitted weight limits of vehicle and trailer, other than articulated vehicle
82	Restrictions on use of vehicles carrying wide or long loads

SCHEDULE 3 — ENGINEERING PLANT

PART 1 — DEFINED TERMS

General

1

In this Schedule—

• “Goods Vehicles Type Approval Regulations” means the requirements applicable to goods vehicles which are prescribed by regulations made under section 54(1) of the Road Traffic Act 1988³⁰;

• “slow” has the meaning given in paragraph 20(2); and

• “wheel-track combination vehicle” means a track-laying vehicle designed and constructed so that the weight of the vehicle is transmitted to the road surface by a combination of wheels and continuous tracks.

Meaning of engineering plant

2

• (1) In this Order “engineering plant” means any moveable plant or equipment which is a motor vehicle or trailer and which—

• (a) in the case of a motor vehicle that falls within the definition of a mobile crane in paragraph 2 of Schedule 2, satisfies the conditions specified in sub-paragraphs (2) to (5) of this paragraph;

• (b) in any other case, satisfies the conditions specified in sub-paragraphs (2) to (4) of this paragraph.

• (2) The first condition is that the motor vehicle or trailer is specially designed and constructed for the special purposes of engineering operations that cannot safely be carried out by a motor vehicle or trailer that complies in all respects with—

• (a) the Construction and Use Regulations; and

• (b) the Goods Vehicles Type Approval Regulations.

• (3) The second condition is that the motor vehicle or trailer is not constructed to carry any load apart from a load of a description specified in paragraph 13(2).

• (4) The third condition is that the motor vehicle or trailer is operated by a driver or other person riding on it.

• (5) The fourth condition is that the motor vehicle does not comply in all respects with the authorisation requirements for mobile cranes specified in Schedule 2.

PART 2 — CONSTRUCTION

Wheeled or track-laying vehicles

3

Engineering plant must be a wheeled vehicle, a track-laying vehicle or a wheel-track combination vehicle.

Provisions applying to wheeled vehicles

4

• (1) Any wheel of engineering plant which is not fitted with a pneumatic tyre of soft or elastic material must be fitted with a smooth tyre and have the edges rounded to a radius of not less than 12 millimetres and not more than 25 millimetres.

• (2) But, in the case of plant which is a gritting machine designed for use (and used) for gritting frosted and icebound roads, any tyre of the gritting machine may be fitted with diagonal cross bars which—

• (a) are of equal width (which must not be less than 25 millimetres);

• (b) extend the full breadth of the tyre; and

• (c) are arranged so that the distance between the adjacent cross bars is not greater than the width of the crossbars.

• (3) A tyre is not to be taken to be of soft or elastic material unless the material—

• (a) is continuous around the circumference of the wheel, or fitted in sections so that, as far as is reasonably practicable, no space is left between the ends of each section;

• (b) is of a thickness and design that, as far as is reasonably practicable, minimises vibration when the vehicle is in motion; and

• (c) is free from any defect which might in any way cause damage to the surface of a road.

5

Engineering plant which has wheels and may (in accordance with paragraph 21) travel on roads at speeds exceeding those specified for slow plant in paragraph 20, must be fitted with tyres marked with a load and speed rating that is greater than the maximum load and speed that the plant can achieve when used on roads under its own power.

Braking requirements

6

Engineering plant that is designed and constructed to operate on roads at speeds exceeding 12 miles per hour must be fitted with a braking system that complies with regulation 16 of the Construction and Use Regulations.

7

• (1) Any other engineering plant must be fitted with—

• (a) an efficient brake capable of braking the vehicle at the maximum weight permitted under paragraphs 17 to 19 when travelling at the maximum speed permitted by this Schedule; and

• (b) an efficient parking brake capable of holding the vehicle stationary when necessary.

• (2) In the case of engineering plant that is a motor vehicle propelled by steam—

• (a) the requirements of sub-paragraph (1)(a) are to be treated as met if the vehicle has an engine capable of being reversed; and

• (b) the requirements of sub-paragraph (1)(b) are to be treated as met if the engine can be set to hold the vehicle stationary.

• (3) Where engineering plant cannot be fitted with a parking brake on account of the nature of the engineering operations that it is specially designed and constructed to carry out, the requirements of sub-paragraph (1)(b) are to be treated as met if suitable scotches (or similar devices capable of holding the vehicle stationary when necessary) are fitted.

PART 3 — CONDITIONS RELATING TO USE

General restrictions

8

Engineering plant must not be used on roads for, or in connection with, engineering operations of any description if those operations may safely be carried out by a vehicle that complies in all respects with the Construction and Use Regulations and the Goods Vehicles Type Approval Regulations.

9

Engineering plant may only be used on roads for—

• (a) testing;

• (b) demonstration;

• (c) delivery on sale;

• (d) proceeding to, or returning from, a manufacturer or repairer for repair or maintenance;

• (e) proceeding to, or returning from, the site of engineering operations; or

• (f) carrying out such operations.

10

Engineering plant which has an overall width exceeding 3 metres may only be used on roads for, or in connection with, engineering operations that are of the character that the plant is specially designed and constructed to carry out.

Restrictions on carriage of loads etc

11

• (1) Engineering plant which is used on roads must not—

• (a) carry any load; or

• (b) lift or transport goods or burden.

• (2) But that is subject to paragraphs 12 and 13.

12

Engineering plant may carry its own necessary gear and equipment.

13

• (1) This paragraph applies at any time when engineering plant is engaged on the construction, maintenance or repair of roads.

• (2) Engineering plant may carry—

• (a) materials that have been excavated and raised from the ground by apparatus on the plant; or

• (b) materials that the plant is specially designed to treat while carried on the plant.

Restrictions on towing of trailers

14

• (1) Except as stated in sub-paragraph (2), engineering plant must not tow a trailer.

• (2) Engineering plant falling within sub-paragraph (3) may tow—

• (a) a trailer which is itself engineering plant; or

• (b) a living van or office hut used in connection with the construction, maintenance or repair of roads.

• (3) Engineering plant falls within this sub-paragraph if it is a motor vehicle with an overall length that does not exceed 8 metres.

Maximum width

15

The overall width of engineering plant, together with the width of any lateral projection or projections of any load carried on it in accordance with this Schedule, must not exceed 6.1 metres.

Maximum length

16

The overall length of engineering plant (or of any vehicle-combination permitted by this Schedule), together with any forward or rearward projections of any load carried on it in accordance with this Schedule, must not exceed 30 metres.

Restrictions relating to weight: gross weight

17

• (1) The gross weight of engineering plant, together with the weight of any load carried on it in accordance with this Schedule, must not exceed 150,000 kilograms.

• (2) The weight of the plant is to be calculated—

• (a) in the case of plant which is a motor vehicle, by taking the sum of the weights transmitted to the road surface by all the wheels and tracks of the vehicle;

• (b) in the case of plant which is a trailer, by taking the sum of the weights transmitted to the road surface by all the wheels and tracks of the trailer and of any weight of the trailer imposed on the towing vehicle.

Restrictions relating to weight: weight transmitted to road surface

18

• (1) This paragraph applies to determine the maximum weight that may be transmitted to the road surface by the wheels of any engineering plant that is a wheeled vehicle or a wheel-track combination vehicle.

• (2) The wheel weight of the plant must not exceed 11,250 kilograms.

• (3) The weight transmitted to any strip of road surface on which the wheels of the plant are resting must not exceed the following limits (measuring the strip of road surface referred to in those limits as the distance contained between any two parallel lines drawn on the road surface at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the plant)—

• (a) if the strip of road surface measures a distance of 0.5 metre or less, the weight must not exceed 45,000 kilograms;

• (b) if the strip of road surface measures a distance that lies between 0.5 metre and any greater distance up to, and including, 2 metres, the weight must not exceed the sum of—

• (i) 45,000 kilograms; and

• (ii) an additional weight allowance which is to be calculated by reference to the difference between 0.5 metre and the overall measurement of the strip of road surface, with additional weight being allowed in respect of that difference at a rate of 30,000 kilograms per metre;

• (c) if the strip of road surface measures a distance of more than 2 metres, the weight must not exceed the sum of—

• (i) the weight determined in accordance with paragraph (b), as calculated in respect of the first 2 metres of the measurement of the strip of road surface; and

• (ii) a further additional weight allowance which is to be calculated by reference to the difference between 2 metres and the overall measurement of the strip of road surface, with further additional weight being allowed in respect of that difference at a rate of 10,000 kilograms per metre.

• (4) But where the plant has one or more wheels that are not fitted with a pneumatic tyre, the total weight transmitted to the road surface by—

• (a) any such wheel (if no other wheel is in the same line transversely); or

• (b) all such wheels as are in line transversely;

must be such that the average weight per 25 millimetres width of tyre in contact with the road surface does not exceed 750 kilograms.

19

• (1) This paragraph applies to determine the maximum weight that may be transmitted to the road surface by the tracks of any engineering plant that is a track-laying vehicle or a wheel-track combination vehicle.

• (2) The weight transmitted to any strip of road surface on which each track of the plant is resting must not exceed the following (measuring the strip of road surface referred to in those limits as the distance contained between any two parallel lines drawn on the road surface at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the plant)—

• (a) if the strip of road surface measures a distance of 0.5 metre or less, the weight must not exceed 11,500 kilograms;

• (b) if the strip of road surface measures a distance that lies between 0.5 metre and any greater distance up to, and including, 2 metres, the weight must not exceed the sum of—

• (i) 11,500 kilograms; and

• (ii) an additional weight allowance which is to be calculated by reference to the difference between 0.5 metre and the overall measurement of the strip of road surface, with additional weight being allowed in respect of that difference at a rate of 7,500 kilograms per metre;

• (c) if the strip of road surface measures a distance of more than 2 metres, the weight must not exceed the sum of—

• (i) the weight determined in accordance with paragraph (b), as calculated in respect of the first 2 metres of the measurement of the strip of road surface; and

• (ii) a further additional weight allowance, which is to be calculated by reference to the difference between 2 metres and the overall measurement of the strip of road surface, with further additional weight being allowed in respect of that difference at a rate of 2,500 kilograms per metre.

Speed restrictions

20

• (1) Unless paragraph 21 applies, engineering plant must not travel on roads at speeds exceeding—

• (a) 30 miles per hour on a motorway; or

• (b) 12 miles per hour on any other road.

• (2) Engineering plant falling within sub-paragraph (1) is referred to in this Schedule as slow plant.

21

• (1) This paragraph—

• (a) applies to any engineering plant that satisfies the speed condition specified in sub-paragraph (2), and to any vehicle-combination that includes engineering plant and that satisfies that condition; but

• (b) does not apply to engineering plant mentioned in paragraph 2(1)(a).

• (2) The speed condition is that the plant or vehicle-combination would be able to comply with such requirements of Schedule 1 to this Order as are specified in sub-paragraph (3), if those requirements applied to it as they apply to an AILV (or AILV-combination) falling within Category 1, 2 or 3.

• (3) The requirements of Schedule 1 referred to in sub-paragraph (2) are—

• (a) the requirements as to brakes, plates and signs in paragraphs 7 to 15;

• (b) the requirements as to weight in paragraphs 26 to 33; and

• (c) such of the requirements of the Construction and Use Regulations, the Authorised Weight Regulations and the Lighting Regulations as are specified in paragraph 35 or 36.

• (4) For the purposes of the remaining provisions of this Schedule, any engineering plant, or vehicle-combination that includes engineering plant, which complies with the requirements applicable to an AILV (or AILV-combination) falling within Category 1, 2, or 3 (as the case may be) is itself to be treated as falling within the Category in question.

22

• (1) Engineering plant, or a vehicle-combination that includes engineering plant, which falls within Category 1, 2 or 3 must not travel on a motorway, dual carriageway or other description of road at speeds exceeding the speed specified in Table 10 for that Category in respect of the description of road in question.

Vehicle or vehicle-combination	Motorway	Dual carriageway	Other roads
Category 1	60 mph	50 mph	40 mph
Category 2 or 3	40 mph	35 mph	30 mph

• (2) But where the plant or vehicle-combination does not have suspension on all axles, the plant or vehicle-combination must not travel at speeds exceeding 20 miles per hour.

23

Nothing in this Schedule is to be taken to authorise travel at any speed in excess of any speed restriction imposed by or under any other enactment.

PART 4 — APPLICATION OF REGULATIONS MADE UNDER SECTION 41 OF THE ROAD TRAFFIC ACT 1988

Engineering plant treated as falling within Category 1, 2 or 3

24

Engineering plant, or a vehicle-combination that includes engineering plant, which falls within Category 1, 2 or 3 must comply with—

• (a) the Construction and Use Regulations;

• (b) the Authorised Weight Regulations; and

• (c) the Lighting Regulations;

to the same extent as an AILV (or AILV-combination) falling within the same Category must, by virtue of paragraph 35 or 36 of Schedule 1, comply with those Regulations.

Slow plant

25

• (1) Slow plant must comply with—

• (a) the Construction and Use Regulations, apart from the provisions of those Regulations specified in Table 11 and, in the case of slow plant to which any of paragraphs 26 to 29 apply, apart from such additional provisions of those Regulations as are specified in the paragraph in question; and

• (b) the Lighting Regulations.

• (2) But regulation 16 of the Construction and Use Regulations (braking systems) does apply to slow plant that is a wheeled motor vehicle.

Non-applicable Regulations	Subject
7	Length
8	Width
10A to 14	Other provisions as to dimensions and manoeuvrability
15,16	Braking systems
17	Vacuum or pressure brake warning devices
18(1A) to (9)	Maintenance and efficiency of brakes
19	Application of brakes of trailers
20 to 22, 24 to 26	Wheels, springs, tyres and tracks
35 to 36C	Instruments and equipment
39A, 39B	Fuel
49 to 53B	Protective systems
62 to 65	Control of emissions
66 to 74	Plates, markings, testings and inspection
75	Maximum permitted laden weight of vehicle
76 to 80	Other maximum permitted weight limits of vehicle and trailer, other than articulated vehicle
82	Restrictions on use of vehicles carrying wide or long loads

26

• (1) This paragraph applies to any slow plant that is a wheeled motor vehicle.

• (2) Regulation 23 (wheel loads) of the Construction and Use Regulations does not apply to any wheeled motor vehicle that is designed and used solely for the purpose of laying materials for the repair or construction of road surfaces if the weight transmitted to the road surface by any two wheels in line transversely does not exceed 11,180 kilograms.

• (3) Regulation 27(1)(f) (tyre tread) of the Construction and Use Regulations does not apply to any wheeled motor vehicle that—

• (a) is designed for use in work of construction and repair of road surfaces;

• (b) has wheels fitted with pneumatic tyres with smooth treads for such use; and

• (c) is incapable by reason of its construction of exceeding a speed of 20 miles per hour on the level under its own power.

27

• (1) This paragraph applies to any slow plant that is a wheeled trailer.

• (2) Regulation 27(1)(b) and (f) (tyre inflation level and tyre tread) of the Construction and Use Regulations does not apply to a wheeled trailer that—

• (a) is designed for use in work of construction and repair of road surfaces; and

• (b) has wheels fitted with pneumatic tyres with smooth treads for such use.

28

• (1) This paragraph applies to any slow plant that is a track-laying motor vehicle.

• (2) Regulation 28 (tracks) of the Construction and Use Regulations does not apply to a road roller.

• (3) The following provisions of the Construction and Use Regulations do not apply to a vehicle which was registered (within the meaning of the Construction and Use Regulations) on or before 31st December 1951—

• (a) regulation 31 (glass); and

• (b) regulation 34 (windscreen wipers and washers).

29

• (1) This paragraph applies to any slow plant that is a track-laying trailer (including a road roller).

• (2) Regulation 28 (tracks) of the Construction and Use Regulations does not apply.

SCHEDULE 4 — ROAD RECOVERY VEHICLES

PART 1 — DEFINED TERMS

1

• (1) In this Order “road recovery vehicle” means a vehicle that is—

• (a) a locomotive;

• (b) a motor vehicle of category N3; or

• (c) a vehicle-combination comprising a motor vehicle of category N3 and a trailer of category O4;

and that satisfies the three conditions in sub-paragraphs (2) to (4).

• (2) The first condition is that the vehicle is specially designed and constructed for the purpose of recovering disabled road vehicles or is permanently adapted for that purpose.

• (3) The second condition is that the vehicle is fitted with a crane, winch or other lifting system specially designed to be used for the purpose of recovering another vehicle.

• (4) The third condition is that the vehicle meets the requirements for registered use as a recovery vehicle under Part 5 of Schedule 1 to the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994³¹.

PART 2 — CONSTRUCTION

2

• (1) A road recovery vehicle must be a wheeled vehicle.

• (2) Every wheel must be fitted with a pneumatic tyre.

3

A warning beacon emitting an amber light must be fitted to a road recovery vehicle.

PART 3 — PLATES

4

A road recovery vehicle must be equipped with a plate that specifies the maximum weight that may be lifted by any crane, winch or other lifting system with which the vehicle is fitted.

PART 4 — CONDITIONS RELATING TO USE

Restriction on carriage of loads and towing of vehicles

5

• (1) A road recovery vehicle must not carry or tow any load or transport any goods or burden.

• (2) But that is subject to paragraphs 6 and 7.

6

A road recovery vehicle may carry its own necessary gear and equipment.

7

• (1) Except as stated in sub-paragraph (2), a road recovery vehicle may carry or tow a disabled vehicle or vehicle-combination when conveying it to a destination in accordance with the instructions of the owner or driver of the vehicle or when conveying it to an appropriate destination for repair.

• (2) Where a recovery of a disabled vehicle or vehicle-combination is effected by using a drawbar or lift-and-tow method, the road recovery vehicle must not carry or tow the disabled vehicle or vehicle-combination any further than is reasonably necessary in order to clear any road obstructed by it and to facilitate the use of roads by other persons.

8

• (1) At any time when a disabled vehicle or vehicle-combination is being towed by a road recovery vehicle, the braking system of the disabled vehicle or vehicle-combination must not be operated by any device other than an approved brake connection point that is fitted to both the road recovery vehicle and the disabled vehicle or vehicle-combination.

• (2) In sub-paragraph (1), “approved brake connection point”, in relation to a road recovery vehicle, means a device which is—

• (a) approved by the manufacturer of the vehicle;

• (b) fitted to the vehicle in the course of its construction or adaptation; and

• (c) specially designed for use in the course of recovering disabled vehicles or vehicle-combinations in order to provide a means by which the braking system of the disabled vehicle or vehicle-combination can be safely and effectively controlled from the road recovery vehicle.

9

A road recovery vehicle must not tow a disabled vehicle or vehicle-combination if the weight of the road recovery vehicle, together with the weight of the vehicle or vehicles being towed, would exceed the maximum train weight shown on the plate required to be fitted to the road recovery vehicle by regulation 66 of the Construction and Use Regulations (plates for goods vehicles and buses).

Beacons

10

• (1) When a road recovery vehicle is used on roads, the beacon fitted to it under paragraph 3 must be kept lit—

• (a) when the road recovery vehicle is stationary at the scene of the breakdown; or

• (b) when the road recovery vehicle is unable, on account of any vehicle or vehicles it is towing, the weather conditions or otherwise, to maintain speeds appropriate to the road.

• (2) But, in the circumstances described in sub-paragraph (1)(a), the beacon may be switched off if—

• (a) there is no reasonable prospect of the presence of the road recovery vehicle causing a hazard to persons using the road (so that it is not necessary or desirable to warn persons of its presence); or

• (b) it is likely that the use of the beacon could confuse or mislead other road users.

Maximum width

11

• (1) The overall width of a road recovery vehicle must not exceed the limits imposed by regulation 8 of the Construction and Use Regulations (restrictions as to width).

• (2) But sub-paragraph (1) does not apply to a road recovery vehicle that satisfies the width conditions.

• (3) The width conditions are that—

• (a) the road recovery vehicle is a trailer;

• (b) the trailer is used only for, or in connection with, the recovery of vehicles of a description that can only safely be recovered by a road recovery vehicle with an overall width exceeding the limits imposed by regulation 8 of the Construction and Use Regulations; and

• (c) the overall width of the trailer does not exceed 3 metres.

Maximum length

12

• (1) The overall length of a road recovery vehicle must not exceed 18.75 metres.

• (2) But sub-paragraph (1) does not apply to restrict the combined length of a road recovery vehicle together with any disabled vehicle or vehicle-combination carried or towed by it in the course of a recovery.

Maximum vehicle weight

13

The gross weight of a road recovery vehicle must not exceed—

• (a) 36,000 kilograms in the case of a locomotive, the weight of which is transmitted to the road surface through 3 axles;

• (b) 50,000 kilograms in the case of a locomotive, the weight of which is transmitted to the road surface through 4 or more axles;

• (c) 80,000 kilograms in the case of a vehicle-combination comprising a motor vehicle of category N3 and a trailer of category O4, where the weight of the combination is transmitted to the road surface through 6 or more axles;

• (d) in any other case, the maximum authorised weight (within the meaning of the Authorised Weight Regulations) for the description of vehicle in question.

Maximum axle and wheel weights

14

• (1) The distance between any two adjacent axles of a road recovery vehicle must not be less than 1.3 metres.

• (2) The axle weight of a road recovery vehicle must not exceed 12,500 kilograms.

• (3) The wheel weight of a road recovery vehicle must not exceed 6,250 kilograms.

• (4) Where a road recovery vehicle has axles in two or more groups—

• (a) the distance between the adjacent axles in any group must not be less than 1.3 metres; and

• (b) the sum of the weights transmitted to the road surface by all the wheels in any group must not exceed 25,000 kilograms.

• (5) But sub-paragraph (4)(b) does not apply to a road recovery vehicle falling within paragraph 13(c).

15

• (1) If a road recovery vehicle has only one front steer axle, that axle must carry at least 40 per cent of the maximum axle weight shown on the plate required by regulation 66 of the Construction and Use Regulations (plates for goods vehicles and buses).

• (2) If the vehicle has two or more front steer axles, all those axles taken together must carry at least 40 per cent of such weight.

Speed restrictions

16

• (1) A road recovery vehicle must not, at any time when it is carrying or towing a disabled vehicle or vehicle-combination, travel at speeds exceeding—

• (a) 40 miles per hour on a motorway;

• (b) 30 miles per hour on a dual carriageway; or

• (c) 30 miles per hour on any other road.

• (2) Nothing in this Schedule is to be taken to authorise travel at any speed in excess of any speed restriction imposed by or under any other enactment.

PART 5 — APPLICATION OF REGULATIONS MADE UNDER SECTION 41 OF THE ROAD TRAFFIC ACT 1988

17

A road recovery vehicle must comply with—

• (a) the Construction and Use Regulations, apart from the provisions of those Regulations specified in Table 12;

• (b) the Authorised Weight Regulations, but only to the extent specified in paragraph 13 of this Schedule; and

• (c) the Lighting Regulations.

Non-applicable Regulations	Subjects
36A, 36B, 36C	Speed limiters
51	Sideguards
70, 70B	Plates
70A	Speed limiters
72	Additional markings
73	Test date disc
75	Maximum permitted laden weight of vehicle
76	Maximum permitted laden weight of vehicle and trailer, other than articulated vehicle
77	Maximum permitted laden weight of articulated vehicle
78	Maximum permitted wheel and axle weights
79	Maximum permitted weights for certain closely-spaced axles etc
79A	Savings for Authorised Weight Regulations
82	Restrictions on use of vehicles carrying wide or long loads
83(1)	Numbers of trailers

SCHEDULE 5 — NOTICES TO POLICE

Defined term

1

In this Schedule “single rigid unit”, in relation to a Part 2 vehicle-combination, has the meaning given in article 12(4).

Notices

2

• (1) A notice must be given to the chief officer of police for each area in which the vehicle or vehicle-combination is to be used.

• (2) A notice under article 23(2)(a), 24(4)(a) or 48(2)(a) must be given so that it is received by the chief officer of police before the beginning of the period of 24 hours that ends immediately before the date of use.

• (3) In any other case, the notice must be given so that it is received by the chief officer of police before the beginning of the period of two days which ends immediately before the date of use.

• (4) The chief officer of police for any area may accept a shorter period of notice in any case.

• (5) “Date of use”, in relation to any vehicle or vehicle-combination to which a notice relates, means the date on which the use on roads of the vehicle or vehicle-combination is to begin.

3

The notice must be in a form acceptable to the recipient and should be agreed by both parties.

4

• (1) The notice³² must contain—

• (a) a list of all police forces to which notice is given;

• (b) details of the user of the vehicle or vehicle-combination, stating—

• address,

• telephone number,

• fax number,

• email address (if any),

• user’s licence number,

• user’s reference number;

• (c) details of the intended use of the vehicle or vehicle-combination, stating—

• point of departure,