International Road Transport Operations in the United Kingdom
Operational Activities
Cabotage
European operators may carry loads to, from or through the country. Loads carried between third countries can only be undertaken under a
bi-lateral agreement. Cabotage is permitted.
Dangerous Goods
The UK is party to ADR. It is essential that fully completed ADR documentation is prepared for the movement of dangerous goods.
| ADR Tunnel Codes | |
|---|---|
|
Dartford (Tunnel only)
Mersey Clyde Ramsgate Tyne Limehouse (East London) Rotherhithe (East London) Blackwell (East London) East India Dock Road (East London) Heathrow (Middlesex) |
C
D D A D E E E E Between 04:00 and 23:00: Category E. At other times: Category C |
Abnormal Loads
For indivisible loads which exceed the maximum authorised weights and dimensions, special authorisation must be requested from regional
police headquarters and from the Highway and Bridge Authorities of each region to be crossed.
To simplify the procedure, the Highways Agency has set up the web-based ESDAL project (Electonic Service Delivery for Abnormal Loads) available on www.highways.gov.uk/esdal Here you will find information on route planning, legal requirements with the necessary forms able to be downloaded.
Taxation
A full tank of fuel can be imported duty free.
Customs
TIR Carnets are accepted. ATA Carnets are accepted for certain temporary imports. CMR notes are advised.
Movement Restrictions
There are no driving restrictions throughout the Road network for goods vehicles at Weekends or Public Holidays.
Road Tolls
The M6 Toll road is currently the only toll route within the UK, it is owned and operated by Midland Expressway Ltd. You can join the Toll
road at various junctions and can either pay on exit, or pay at one of the mainline Toll Plazas, which stretch across the whole carriageway
at two points along the 27 mile route. They are at Great Wyrley (northbound) and Weeford Park (southbound).
Vehicles are charged different prices according to the classification they fall into, which toll station they pass through and the time of
day. Vehicles travelling on the M6 Toll are charged according to vehicle classification as determined by the toll operators classification
measurement system.
Each time a vehicle enters a toll lane, sensors indicate how many axles the vehicle has (including trailers) and how high it is at the
point of the first axle.
NB: Discussions are currently in progress to introduce a Lorry Road User Charge, similar to the Eurovignette. It is expected that a commercial vehicle charge may be in force by April 2014. It should also be noted that discussions are in progress to introduce further privately operated Toll roads within the UK.
Bridge and Tunnel Tolls
There are many toll bridges and tunnels throughout the United Kingdom, many of which (such as the Clifton Suspension Bridge) are only
designed to take a maximum weight of up to 3 tonnes. Those bridges/tunnels that allow heavy commercial traffic use are detailed below.
- Dartford Tunnel - M25 (Dartford) Northbound Traffic. Crosses the River Thames - www.dart-tag.co.uk
- Kingsway Tunnel - Queensway Tunnel, Liverpool. Crosses the River Mersey - www.merseytunnels.co.uk
- Tyne Tunnels - Newcastle. Crosses the River Tyne - tt2.co.uk
- Queen Elizabeth II Bridge - M25 (Dartford) Southbound Traffic. Crosses the River Thames - www.dart-tag.co.uk
- Humber Bridge - Humber Bridge (A15) Crosses the River Humber - www.humberbridge.co.uk
- Severn Bridge - 2nd Severn Crossing (M48 & M4). Crosses the River Severn - www.severnbridge.co.uk
- Tamar Bridge - Plymouth (A38), Crosses the River Tamar - www.tamarcrossings.org.uk
Vehicle Requirements
Documentation
Green Card type insurance is required for all Foreign Operators, plus original vehicle registration docs. A Nationality plate of the
operators country of origin must be fitted to the rear of vehicle/trailer.
| Maximum Weights & Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Height | There is no compulsory height in the UK |
| Width | 2.55 metres (Fridges 2.6 metres) |
| Length |
Artic 16.5 metres
Road Train 18.75 metres |
| Weight |
Artic 44 tonnes
Road Train 44 tonnes There are also various maximum permitted weights on vehicles, trailers and road trains which are applicable according to the number of axles and type of suspension fitted. |
Safety Equipment
It is compulsory to carry the following items of equipment and/or observe specific rules:-
- First Aid Kit
- Warning Triangle
- Spare Bulbs (advised)
- Seat Belts must be worn
- Fire Extinguisher
It is not compulsory to carry snow chains on board a vehicle, however, their use is not forbidden. Use of chains is controlled by general legislation: 'a tyre must not be unsuitable for the use or circumstances to which it is put' e.g. if there is no snow, or road damage is likely.
Driver Requirements
Legal Documents
Full passport required for all foreign drivers/crew. International driving licence. Letter from employer giving driver permission to drive
vehicle. Attestation letter and form. EU Hours rules apply.
Speed Limits
| Vehicles Concerned | Built-Up Areas (kms) | All Purpose Roads (kms) | Expressways / Dual Carraigeways (kms) | Motorways |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All trucks over 3.5 tonnes | 48 (30 mph) | 64 (40 mph) | 80 (50 mph) | 96 (60 mph) |
Country Contact Info
British Embassy
Foreign & Commonwealth Office, London. Tel: 020 7008 1500 Website: www.fco.gov.uk
Transport Organisations
Freight Transport Association - Website: www.fta.co.uk
Road Haulage Association - Website: www.rha.net
