15.07.2024

Embargo trial suspension

Gwent Police in South Wales (UK) is lifting the travel Embargo restrictions for smaller mobile cranes on a trial basis, following a campaign by the UK crane rental industry and Heavy Transport Association.

The embargo suspension is for a three month trial basis beginning today – July 15th. For those companies that opt into it. During the trial the police will monitor the impact on traffic, and depending on the outcome the lift could become permanent. And might just be extended to other police areas.

The trial comes with some strict conditions:
1. It only applies to cranes that are specially designed permanent chassis and built purely to carry out lifting operations. Oddly truck mounted cranes are excluded, but they are generally not covered by the embargo anyway.
2. The cranes must have a GVW of no more than 80 tonnes.
3. Maximum overall width can be no more than three metres.
4. The overall length must be under 26 metres.

Specific No Embargo Routes have been highlighted – they include:
The M4 - between J28 and J22
The A40
The A48 - between J24 and J28
The A449
The A465
These routes may be added to during the trial if traffic data justifies it.
If a crane company’s movement plan extends beyond the embargo exempt routes, then any other roads which may be used to reach the crane’s destination may – on a case by case basis – be included as part of the embargo exemption, however, companies will still need to submit their movement plan at least two days in advance of the movement to ensure the ‘extended’ exemption is granted.

Regular reviews
The trial will be subject to regular reviews during its term, and crane owners, joining the trial must comply with any specific additional embargo conditions that may be implemented. This may include a ‘no travel’ hiatus during one off peak time events, such as prominent sporting events or concerts.

To join the trial
To join the trial companies must submit their company name, transport manager’s name and contact information - email and phone, in order that they receive any updates and/or additional information during the trial period. Send the information to [email protected].

The embargo will still apply to any companies that do not opt in.

If this trial goes well it is quite possible that other police forces across the UK might follow suit.