Agreed Route Maps

ARMs

Accessing Agreed Route Maps

The Agreed Route Maps (ARMs) for Scotland are now accessed through the Forestry Commission website using an interactive tool especially developed for the Timber Transport Forum.  Site features include OS mapping and - where data is available - aerial photography.

Agreed Route Maps >>

Introducing Agreed Routes

Rapidly increasing timber harvesting in some parts of the UK may have a significant impact on the rural road network, which can best be managed by early planning.

Agreed Routes Maps (ARMs) drawn up by councils in consultation with RTTGs, are a very useful tool in identifying the most suitable route for timber haulage. The aim is to keep timber traffic off the most vulnerable roads by directing it along any stronger routes that are available. Data has been collected to provide the basic information for the development of these voluntary ‘Agreed Routes'.  The process of agreeing preferred routes, leading to ARMs, usefully identifies problem areas and facilitates the identification of acceptable solutions. The information gathered has also been used to help inform council planning and spending on roads upgrading and maintenance.

To be effective, these maps need regular review and potentially updating.  Importantly, this general approach is endorsed by the network management duty imposed upon Local Highway Authorities (LHAs) by the Traffic Management Act 2005 and Transport (Scotland) Act 2005. ARMs have been developed by Regional Timber Transport Groups throughout Scotland and are also in the early stages of development in parts of England and Wales.

To work best, the forest owner or his agent should be well informed of the status of the roads serving the forest and of any potential problems.

Using Agreed Routes Maps

A route agreement is voluntary - but has the support of timber industry representative organisations, Forestry Commission, and Local Authorities as a basis for minimising problems arising from timber haulage on public roads.

The local Timber Transport Groups will always welcome consultation about timber haulage issues.

It is the responsibility of the owners to contact the relevant Local Authority to determine the status and availability of particular roads. Weight and length restrictions on roads are not shown and users of the maps are responsible for ascertaining whether or not routes have such restrictions.

The owner (or agent) should advise potential purchasers of any restrictions on requirements relating to the preferred haulage route this may include a request that harvesting managers contact the local authority to consult with them on the proposed timing of the operation.

Revising an Agreed Routes Map

The map will be formally updated and re-issued annually or when significant changes take place.  Local Timber Transport Groups will maintain a register of changes.

Road classifications

The following definitions are used to classify roads:

  • Agreed Routes Those routes that can be used for timber haulage without restriction as regulated by the Road Traffic Act 1988
  • Consultation Routes Those routes that are recognised as being key to timber extraction but which are not up to Agreed Route standard. Consultation with Local Authority is required and may be necessary to agree limits of timing, allowable tonnage etc. before the route can be used.
  • Severely Restricted Routes Those routes that should not normally be used for timber transport in their present condition. These routes are close to being Excluded Routes. Consultation with the Local Authority is required to achieve an agreed management regime to avoid land locking of timber.
  • Excluded Routes Those routes that should not be used for timber transport in their present condition under any circumstances. These routes are either formally restricted, or are close to being formally restricted, to protect the network. Consultation with the Local Authority is essential.

For further information contact the Timber Transport Project Manager here.