Damage to public roads by Artic?

[Sam Thompson]

Looking into moving 2000+ ton of softwood out of a site on 6 wheelers. The road is in very poor condition at the moment (Road generally less than 4m wide according to the OS) and apparently is due to be resurfaced some point soon. However I am worried that the Highways Agency might turn round and bill us for damage causes to the roads by the haulagem, I know this has happened in other cases.

 

Does anyone know what law this comes under?

 

What is the best route of action? Tell them and hope, or keep it quite and hope they don't get wind of it

 

 

Cheers,

 

Sam

[kernowstu]

surley just ring the highways and ask for site meeting

[Rich2484]

Depends on the size and weight limits of the road. If you try to stay under these there is no problem. Try and set up a site meeting with them to determine this before hand but be sure to back yourself up with pics before and after you have used the road as they could still try it on.

[skyhuck]

Surely this is why they pay high road tax, if the road is weight restricted there could a problem, I think you need a permit to regularly go over the weight limit on restricted roads.

[elfinwood saws]

if it,s a public road with no restrictions, i can,t see a problem.

[landroverfanatic]

I would definately arrange a visit with Highways. I know Tilhill have been having a huge problem with Highways accusing them of damaging a road with timber lorries in South Wales. The road was pretty dire before they started so I think are just using it as an excuse to get someone else to pay.

[NI Tree]

it happened in scotland too and the cold makes it more prone to damage

[muldonach]

Looking into moving 2000+ ton of softwood out of a site on 6 wheelers. The road is in very poor condition at the moment (Road generally less than 4m wide according to the OS) and apparently is due to be resurfaced some point soon. However I am worried that the Highways Agency might turn round and bill us for damage causes to the roads by the haulagem, I know this has happened in other cases.

 

Does anyone know what law this comes under?

 

What is the best route of action? Tell them and hope, or keep it quite and hope they don't get wind of it

 

 

Cheers,

 

Sam

 

I would have a look at the paperwork that comes with the felling licence - I just processed a licence which will involve about 5000t and have paperwork requiring me to contact highways before starting - also specified routing over minor roads.

[Sam Thompson]

Thanks for this chaps. The road does not have any weight limitation signs, or anything else for that matter. It is a sub 4m job according to the OS, aopparerntly there could be a case of "extraordinary use" as it was only designed to carry "normal" farm traffic. Talking to Cumbria County Council atm so we shall see what happens.

 

Thanks,

 

Sam

[Ted_165]

we had a forest cut down and a bridge collapsed on a small public road which the wagon was using, they couldn't blame us but we had to pay halves with the wagon driver to put a temporary bridge in until the council had time to replace it, it all takes time!!