Section Transport

Chairman           Mr David Collett (HTA)
Vice Chairman   Mr Wim Richie

The Section Transport aims at
• European harmonisation of permit procedures and permit conditions;
• Exchange of information.

Introduction
The transport of abnormal loads involves the most complex and often spectacular forms of transportation. Abnormal loads can vary enormously – anything from a caravan, to a house or a gasoline pump. Loads of the highest order of  magnitude include transformers or reactor vessels which often need to be transported over considerable distances. In many of such cases national borders have to be crossed.
Abnormal loads and vehicles that are used to carry the cargo do not comply normally with the legal requirements as to weights and dimensions specified in the traffic regulations of the various European Union States. This means that exemptions or permits have to be obtained prior to movement by road. The relevant authorities in each member state will apply their own rules, regulations and procedures when dealing with applications for permits. ESTA has observed that variances in the procedures for obtaining permits often lead to unnecessary delays and inconsistency of approach by the authorities across Europe.
In 2000 ESTA has published a so called Black book. The black book contained a number of examples to demonstrate the lack of harmonisation. The black book also consisted of some relevant recommendations to improve the European permit procedures.

Harmonisation
Since that edition of the Black Book the ESTA transport section has drafted several proposals for harmonising the conditions, procedures and permit system. 

Corridors
ESTA advocates the implementation of corridors for abnormal load traffic. This will ensure that abnormal load movement will be carried out in a European context. This will also speed the passage of such transport. The Section Transport has made up a proposal for European corridors.

Escorts
In many countries escorting of abnormal load transport is done by private escort companies and/or the police. Member states have different definitions of escort vehicles. For this reason ESTA has published a proposal for a European pilot car.

SERT
In order to simplify and harmonise the admission of abnormal loads in Europe, ESTA has produced a Special European Registration for Trucks and Trailers form (SERT). All relevant vehicle details are stated on the SERT. The form contains all necessary technical information in a easy to use format.

European efforts
As a result of the ESTA lobbying the European Commission in 2002 established an Expert Group on abnormal loads transport. All member countries are represented. Within this Expert Group ESTA is the only representative of European private enterprise. The mission of the European Expert Group is to deliver a best practice guidelines for permits, permit procedures and permit conditions. The Expert Group is an excellent opportunity for ESTA to bring about a true European harmonisation.