Abnormal Loads
Abnormal Loads are allowed across the Tamar Bridge however there are restrictions and charges that apply to these crossings.
Loads either exceeding 2.9 metres in overall width or exceeding 44 tonnes in gross weight are considered to be abnormal loads. Loads exceeding 4.8 metres in overall height must also be notified.
All eastbound abnormal loads must use the main deck and not the north cantilever lane for crossings.
Abnormal loads will not be allowed to cross the bridge between the following hours:-
06.30 – 09.30 hours and 15.30 – 18.30 hours during any weekday
06.30 – 18.30 hours during any weekend day in the months May – September inc. or at other times at the discretion of the Bridge Manager.
Please contact the Bridge Supervisor at abnormalloads@tamarcrossings.org.uk, alternatively telephone 01752 361577 (press ‘1’ if ringing outside normal office hours) for the latest information
There are also time scales as to how much notification is required prior to the day of crossing. To gain permission for abnormal loads to cross the Bridge the application form must be submitted in advance to the Bridge Office giving the following minimum notice periods:
Not exceeding either 80 tonnes gross weight or 4.2 metres overall width – at least 2 working days
Exceeding 80 tonnes gross weight or 4.2 metres overall width – at least 7 working days
For rules relating to Abnormal Loads please see the Notice To Hauliers
IMPORTANT UPDATE TO HAULIERS:
For the foreseeable future, our lane control management system is unable to facilitate lane closures. The overhead signals are now fixed to allow 2 lanes into Cornwall and 1 lane into Plymouth, we are unable to make the safety changes required for closing the centre lane using the current system.
Because of this, we are unable to accommodate wide loads (over 2.9m) coming from Cornwall into Plymouth. You will need to find an alternative route, avoiding the Tamar Bridge. If your load is abnormal in weight only, then you will still be permitted to travel across the bridge.