How wide does a load need to be before an attendant is required?

How wide does a load need to be before an attendant is required?

• A. 3.3 metres
• B. 2.6 metres
• C. 3.0 metres
• D. 3.5 metres

Answer: (D)

The key idea here is that an escort is needed when a load is wide enough to seriously reduce clearance for other road users and require extra guidance. At 3.5 metres, the load takes up most of a lane and can approach or touch roadside obstacles, especially on bends, junctions, or narrow roads. An attendant walks alongside or ahead to signal, warn traffic, and help steer the vehicle to keep safe margins, making it the point at which an escort becomes required. Smaller widths, while still demanding careful driving, do not reach the level where extra hands-on guidance becomes a safety requirement.

The key idea here is that an escort is needed when a load is wide enough to seriously reduce clearance for other road users and require extra guidance. At 3.5 metres, the load takes up most of a lane and can approach or touch roadside obstacles, especially on bends, junctions, or narrow roads. An attendant walks alongside or ahead to signal, warn traffic, and help steer the vehicle to keep safe margins, making it the point at which an escort becomes required. Smaller widths, while still demanding careful driving, do not reach the level where extra hands-on guidance becomes a safety requirement.