Maximum Vehicle Sizes

Guernsey has many narrow roads which are unsuitable for large heavy vehicles. This led to the former Traffic Committee introducing restrictions on the size and weight of vehicles.

There are maximum dimensions for the island wide circulation of rigid and articulated vehicles. Some larger vehicles are permitted between St Peter Port and St Sampson's Harbours and to some industrial estates at certain times of the day. These restrictions are detailed below.

Length

The maximum length of a vehicle allowed to circulate the island wide is 9.45 meters (31') for a rigid vehicle and 10.67 meters (35') for an articulated vehicle.

Articulated vehicles up to 16.55 meters (54'¾") are allowed to travel on the "Harbours Route" which is between the White Rock and the Vale Castle via St Julian's Pier, the Weighbridge, Glategny Esplanade, St George's Esplanade, Longstore, La Rue des Bas Courtils, Bulwer Avenue, Southside, the Bridge, Northside and Castle Road at anytime. In addition, they can travel to the industrial Estates situated at Northside, Lowlands, La Route du Braye, La Rue de la Hure Mare and Pitronnerie Road between 9.00pm and 6.45am only.

In the case of towing vehicle and trailer, the maximum combined length that is permitted is 12.19 meters (40'), subject to the towing vehicle or trailer not exceeding 9.45 meters in length.

Width

The maximum width of a vehicle allowed to circulate island-wide is 2.31 meters (7'6¾"). However, buses are permitted to travel a width of 2.49 meters (8'2") provided they are being used for a public service, a public excursion service or a private hire service, on routes approved by the former Committee.

Rigid vehicles up to a width of 2.5 meters (8'2½") are also permitted to travel along the "Harbour Route" or the industrial estates. Articulated vehicles up to 2.6 meters (8'6½") are permitted to travel on the "Harbour Route" and to and from the industrial estates between the hours of 9pm and 6.45am.

Weight

The maximum individual axle weight of any vehicle must not exceed 9 tonnes.

There are also restrictions on the maximum gross weight of vehicles and these are detailed below.

Vehicles travelling on the "Harbours Route" between the White Rock and the Vale Castle are permitted to exceed these weights providing the combined maximum weight of the vehicle and the load does not exceed 44 tonnes in total or 9 tonnes on any one axle. Similarly, the same dispensation is available to vehicles travelling to the industrial estates referred to previously on this page, but only between the hours of 9pm and 6.45am. The laden weight of an unloaded trailer should not exceed half the kerbside weight of the towing vehicle.

Permits

Certain specialised vehicles that exceed any of these limits may be permitted to circulate, with a permit, subject to controls regarding routes and times. Applications for permits must be made to the Traffic Services section at the Environment Department.

Mortorcycle Escorts

Additionally, large vehicles carrying indivisible loads may be moved with motorcyle escort. Escorts can be booked by telephoning Island Coachways on (01481) 727161.

Summary of Island Wide Limit

Rigid
Length 9.45m
Width 2.31m

Weight Maximum of 9 tonnes per axle and gross weight
up to 28 tonnes depending on the number of axles

Articulated

Length 10.67m
Width 2.31m
Weight Same as for rigid