11.1 CATEGORIES OF VEHICLES

• Category 1: total laden weight not exceeding 50,000 kg, provided the vehicle has at least 6 axles and meets the other stated Authorised Weight requirements.
• Category 2: total laden weight not exceeding 80,000 kg.
• Category 3: total laden weight not exceeding 150,000 kg.
• Vehicles operating under the Special Types Order must display an identification sign at the front showing that they are operating under the Order and their category.
• Categories 2 and 3 must also have a manufacturer's 'SPECIAL TYPES USE' plate showing recommended maximum speeds and weights.

11.2 MAXIMUM WIDTH

• Maximum permitted width under the Special Types Order: 6.1 m.
• If vehicle or load exceeds 5 m width, special approval is required from the Secretary of State for Transport using form VR 1.

11.3 MAXIMUM LENGTH

• Maximum overall length of vehicle(s) and load: 30 m.
• The drawing vehicle length is excluded from this measurement, so it is effectively the trailer/semi-trailer and load length.

11.4 MAXIMUM AXLE WEIGHTS

• Category 1: no specific axle figure listed in the source revision summary.
• Category 2: 12,500 kg per axle (6,250 kg per wheel).
• Category 3: 16,500 kg per axle (8,250 kg per wheel).

11.5 SPEED LIMITS

• Category 1: motorway 60 mph; dual carriageway 50 mph; single carriageway 40 mph.
• Categories 2 and 3: motorway 40 mph; dual carriageway 35 mph; single carriageway 30 mph.

11.6 STATUTORY ATTENDANTS

• A trained attendant is required in addition to the driver where:
• Vehicle/load width exceeds 3.5 m.
• Rigid vehicle and load or articulated vehicle and load exceeds 18.75 m overall (tractor-unit length ignored for artics).
• Vehicle and trailer combination exceeds 25.9 m overall.
• Forward projection exceeds 2 m.
• Rearward projection exceeds 3.05 m.

11.7 POLICE NOTIFICATION

• Two clear days' notice to relevant police forces is required where:
• Total vehicle and load weight exceeds 80,000 kg.
• Vehicle/load width exceeds 3 m.
• Rigid vehicle and load or articulated vehicle and load exceeds 18.75 m.
• Vehicle and trailer combination exceeds 25.9 m.
• Forward or rearward projection exceeds 3.05 m.
• Police decide whether an escort is required.
• A voluntary self-escorting system is widely used; the source refers to a Highways Agency Code of Practice.
• Self-escort vehicles must have high-visibility markings, amber beacons and an illuminated roof sign stating 'ABNORMAL LOAD'.
• Only specially trained staff may act as escorts.

11.8 HIGHWAYS AND BRIDGES AUTHORITIES

• For Special Types movements not exceeding 80,000 kg, give at least 2 days' notice to the relevant Highways and Bridges Authorities.
• For movements exceeding 80,000 kg, the minimum notice period is 5 days.
• ESDAL is the Electronic Service Delivery for Abnormal Loads system used to help plan routes and identify police/highway/bridge authorities requiring notification.