Check what you know
Did you know?
Best practice tips
Check what you know
Did you know?
- Thousands of road incidents occur due to debris and other objects flying off from vehicles.
- It is an offence and drivers face prosecution when using a vehicle or trailer on a road if it involves a danger of injury to any person.
- Drivers face fines up to £2,500 and 3 penalty points if any part of the load is unsafe/insecure or the vehicle is overweight.
Always use a suitable vehicle when transporting loads and equipment.
Ladders and equipment carried on the exterior of a vehicle must be adequately secured to avoid incidents when driving.
When driving on the road, listen out for rattling as this may suggest that the ladder and equipment are not secured tightly enough. Pull over into a safe area to check the security of the equipment and adjust as needed.
Do not take risks when transporting equipment on the exterior of a vehicle, as it can be illegal and dangerous.
Do not take risks when transporting equipment on the exterior of a vehicle, as it can be illegal and dangerous.
Best practice tips
- Check any ladders or equipment are fully folded up and any locking mechanisms are properly engaged before driving.
- Ladders should be secured at both the front and back using ladder clamps, padlocks, bungee cords, ropes, or other strong ties.
- It is important to know and stay within the maximum overhang limits on both the front and back of a vehicle.
- Take a short test drive in a safe area with the ladder and equipment in place on the vehicle, turning sharp corners and braking abruptly to ensure they are securely in place.
- Ensure there are no loose items – everything should be fixed, strapped down or covered.
| Length of Projection | Action is load projects rearwards | Action if load projects forwards |
| Not exceeding 1 metre (m) | No requirements specified | No requirements specified |
| More than 1m, but not exceeding 2m | End must be made clearly visible | No requirements specified |
| More than 2m, but not exceeding 3.05m | Marker boards are required | Attendant required Marker boards are required |
| Exceeding 3.05m | 2 clear working days’ notice to Police Attendant and marker boards are required | 2 clear working days’ notice to Police Attendant and marker boards are required |
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This information sheet is free for employers to download and distribute to their drivers.
It may not be amended in any way | Copyright 2022 National Highways.