Fleet Times - Abnormal load site goes live

Abnormal load site goes live

Phase Three of the Highways Agency’s Electronic Service Delivery for Abnormal Loads (ESDAL) service went live today(23 June).

ESDAL is a free website that will enable hauliers to save time and admin costs by notifying Abnormal Load movements to the relevant structure owners and Police.

Fidelma Byrne, Project Manager for the Highways Agency’s ESDAL Project said:

“ESDAL reduces administrative burdens and modernises the procedures for managing abnormal loads. It significantly improves the planning, management and notification of abnormal load movements by acting as a one-stop-shop for hauliers.”

“Hauliers wishing to find out more about ESDAL and register their details online should visit the website at: www.highways.gov.uk/esdal . Alternatively, application forms can be requested by emailing a company name and address to: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or by contacting the ESDAL Helpdesk on 01642 636789.”

Phase Three of ESDAL allows hauliers to use an online service to notify abnormal load movements to the relevant road, structure owners and police by web, email or fax. The system will store each notification and proposed route and enable the appropriate agencies to assess the route through the ESDAL website.

The Phase Three system entered pilot trials in January 2009 with a selected group of hauliers. The response was positive.

Phase Four enters pilot trials today, and is due to be formally launched in the Autumn. Phase Four will add functionality to provide an automated route assessment. A facility to add constraints such as road works will also be made available.

As a result of ongoing feedback gathered from users, enhancements will continue to be introduced when appropriate. Enhancements due to be introduced from the Summer through to Autumn 09 include a larger map, simplified VR1 applications, improved route descriptions and confirmation of notification delivery.

The ESDAL service is free and requires no third party software. The website has been developed for the Highways Agency by Serco Integrated Transport and is designed for all parties involved in the movement of abnormal loads.

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