National Highways
The National Highways Media Enquiries department assists with abnormal load movement notifications and ESDAL system support. Abnormal load notifications help manage the movement of oversized vehicles across the UK road network. The ESDAL system provides a platform for online notifications, requiring registration and specific load details. Typically, calls are handled Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 18:00 and Saturday from 09:00 to 13:00. It's advisable to call during mid-morning or early afternoon to avoid peak times. Common reasons for calling include assistance with registration, route planning, and technical support for the ESDAL system. Wait times can vary, especially during peak periods or holidays.
Updated 15 Dec 2025
Expected outcomes
- Notify abnormal load movement
- Register with ESDAL system
- Plan route for oversized vehicles
- Submit offline notification forms
- Receive ESDAL technical support
Call preparation
Assemble everything before you dial. These requirements are verified by our call analysts and updated as organizations change their scripts.
- Load dimensions
- Vehicle weight
- Route details
- ESDAL registration
- Notification forms
- Company information
Known issues
Users occasionally experience delays in receiving feedback for abnormal load notifications, particularly during peak periods or holidays. It's recommended to allow 2-3 working days for processing and contact the team directly for urgent cases. Technical issues with the ESDAL system, such as login problems, can occur. Ensure that registration details are correct and contact the ESDAL Helpdesk for troubleshooting. To avoid frustration, consider calling during non-peak hours and ensure all required information is ready before contacting the department.
