PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
(20 February 2026)

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will make an assessment of the potential implications for her policies of reports of variations in police force implementation of the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s Abnormal Load Guidance and National Policing Guidelines on Charging for Police Services: Special Police Services; and what steps are being taken to ensure consistency of practice.

Asked by:
Sir Julian Smith (Conservative)

Police Chiefs are responsible for decisions on escorting abnormal loads and for how guidance relating to movements and charging should be implemented in their areas. Local variation in the management of abnormal loads may be necessary to account for factors such as geography and road infrastructure.

NPCC guidance for forces and the charging framework for on managing abnormal loads were updated in March and May 2025 respectively. These seek to promote greater national alignment across forces, where possible, noting the need for variations. The NPCC has committed to review this guidance twelve months after publication to ensure it remains fit for purpose.

Answered by:
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