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When transporting abnormal cargo, it’s not just about selecting the right trailer and ensuring compliance with regulations. In some cases, street furniture—such as street signs, lampposts, bollards, traffic lights, and other urban fixtures—may need to be temporarily removed to ensure smooth and safe transportation.

At Specialist Logistics Services Ltd, we understand the complexities of moving large, heavy, or oversized cargo. Part of our service includes identifying when street furniture removal is necessary, ensuring the safe passage of your cargo and avoiding potential delays, fines, or accidents.

Here’s what you need to know about street furniture and why it might be necessary to have it removed before moving abnormal cargo.

What is Street Furniture?

Street furniture refers to any structures, fixtures, or objects located in public spaces, often on or near roadways, designed to enhance functionality or aesthetics. Common examples of street furniture include:

• Street signs (directional, warning, regulatory)
• Traffic lights
• Lamp posts and lighting fixtures
• Bollards (barriers designed to protect pedestrians or property)
• Bus stops and public benches
• Overhead utilities (power lines, signage, etc.)

These structures are typically designed to remain fixed in place to ensure public safety and the efficient functioning of urban areas. However, when it comes to transporting oversized cargo, certain elements of street furniture may obstruct the route and need to be temporarily relocated or removed.

When is it Necessary to Remove Street Furniture for Abnormal Cargo?

Transporting abnormal or oversized cargo often involves navigating tight spaces, narrow roads, and low-clearance areas. In these cases, street furniture may interfere with the movement of the cargo, posing risks to both the cargo and public safety.

Here are some scenarios when street furniture removal may be required:

1. Width and Height Restrictions:

• Street Signs and Traffic Lights: Oversized loads, especially wide loads, may require the removal or temporary lowering of street signs, traffic lights, or overhead utilities (such as power lines) to clear the cargo’s height and width.
• Bollards and Barriers: These physical obstacles may restrict the width of roads, requiring removal to make room for wide or heavy cargo.

2. Road Closures or Lane Restrictions:

• In some cases, moving large machinery, structural components, or equipment requires more than one lane of road space. Street furniture located near roadsides may need to be cleared to accommodate a multi-lane or wider-than-usual route.

3. Obstruction of Pathway:

• When transporting large or awkwardly shaped cargo (e.g., cranes, industrial equipment, large vehicles), certain objects such as benches, lamp posts, or bus stops could obstruct the path of the cargo or loading/unloading areas, requiring removal or relocation.

4. Route Planning and Surveys:

• As part of the route survey process, logistics teams will assess whether any street furniture is in the path of travel. This assessment is crucial for identifying any necessary modifications, including the removal of street furniture, to ensure smooth passage and prevent damage to both the cargo and infrastructure.

The Removal Process:

Street furniture removal involves coordination with local authorities, municipal councils, or utility companies. Depending on the furniture, removal could be a simple task, such as temporarily relocating traffic cones or lowering a lamp post, or it may involve more detailed work, such as disconnecting power lines or traffic lights.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the removal process:

1. Route Survey and Assessment:
   The logistics team will carry out a site survey to determine the exact location of any street furniture and its impact on the transport route.
2. Coordination with Authorities:
   Before removal, the logistics team will liaise with the relevant local authorities or utility companies to request permission to temporarily remove or relocate street furniture.
3. Temporary Removal or Modification:
   Depending on the situation, street furniture may be temporarily removed, folded, or repositioned to allow the cargo to pass safely.
4. Reinstallation and Restoration:
   After the cargo has been transported, the street furniture will be reinstalled or restored to its original position.

Why is Street Furniture Removal Important?

1. Safety:
   Ensuring that all obstacles, including street furniture, are cleared reduces the risk of accidents during transportation. Any unplanned contact with street furniture could cause delays, property damage, or personal injury.
2. Efficiency:
   By removing any hindrances in advance, the transport of oversized or abnormal cargo can proceed without unnecessary stops or complications, reducing delays and keeping the project on schedule.
3. Compliance:
   Local regulations may require that certain types of street furniture be cleared to maintain public safety and road functionality. Failure to remove such obstacles could result in fines or penalties.
4. Protection of Infrastructure:
   Removing street furniture also helps protect both the cargo and the infrastructure from damage. Large, heavy, or awkwardly shaped cargo can easily damage road signs, lights, or other structures if not properly cleared.

Conclusion:

When it comes to moving abnormal cargo, ensuring the removal or relocation of street furniture is crucial to achieving safe, efficient, and compliant transportation. By partnering with Specialist Logistics Services Ltd, you can rest assured that our team will manage every aspect of the transport process—including coordinating with authorities to handle any street furniture removal.

If you’re planning a transport project that involves oversized or abnormal cargo, contact us today to discuss your route planning, logistics needs, and how we can help you navigate any challenges, including street furniture clearance.