I’m sure everyone is as sick of the wet weather and the additional pressures this will be putting on
members of the farming community. If we ever get the weather to start the harvest I would ask that you
bear in mind the following to prevent any unwanted attention from the Police and prevent incidents
occurring.
WEIGHTS
Remember the maximum permissible train weight for a tractor and trailer combination is 24390
kilogram’s, Always remember that weights will vary depending on the soil conditions and moisture
content of any load carried. Also remember the additional weight of a full tank of fuel.
MANNER OF DRIVING
Speed limits within built up areas are the maximum permitted speed however this does not mean this is
the safe speed. We have already received complaints regarding the manner of driving of some tractors
within the town and surrounding villages.
The days of the tractor travelling at 15mph are long gone and high speed gearboxes are now fitted to
many tractors. Please watch your speed in the built up areas.
The general public will complain and in the current climate, action will be taken. Keep this in mind and
this should prevent any unwanted attention.
MOBILE TELEPHONES
The use of mobile telephones seems to be on the increase with several tractor drivers having already
being detected and issued with 3 points and a £60 fine.
SEATBELTS
With regards to the law if a vehicle is fitted with a seatbelt it must be used when travelling on the public
roads. I am aware that lap belts are fitted to most modern tractors and whilst it is very difficult to see if
it is being used. I would ask that you consider your own safety first.
Sadly I have attended numerous Road Traffic Collisions involving agricultural machines and many have
resulted in fatal and serious injury due to the operator not wearing the seatbelt. Recently there was a
serious collision whereby a vehicle collided into the rear of a tele-handler as it travelled down the A90,
The force of the impact was so great that the tele-handler was pushed over 70 metres down the road and
the chassis of the forklift was bent.
Thankfully the driver was wearing the lap belt and was not seriously injured, had he not been wearing
it, I have little doubt that he would have been thrown out the rear window of the machine.
Always remember if you are involved in a collision, your vehicle will be examined and any issues
raised will be dealt with. It is also worth remembering that VOSA (Vehicle Operator Services Agency)
now have the power to stop vehicles and have been paying attention to agricultural vehicles. They will
report and prohibit any defective vehicles and this could have a major impact on your operations in the
middle of the harvest.
Please remember we are here to help and would rather give advice to prevent accidents and negate
the requirement for any enforcement.