Calls are being made to crack down on rogue tractor drivers flouting the law by cruising around narrow country lanes in an area of Shropshire while using their mobile phones.

The issue has been raised by parish councillors in West Felton, near Oswestry, who say they have become increasingly concerned about the problem and the dangers it poses.

Councillors have now joined forces with farmers to combat the problem and raise awareness of the issue.

Councillor David Curtis, chairman of West Felton Parish Council, said they had become increasingly concerned about the problem, especially during the summer months.

He said: “It has been an issue. When local farmers are actively harvesting we know a number of them bring in subcontractors driving with heavy equipment.

“They have big tractors with massive trailers and they do go rather fast and often use mobile phones.

Powerful

“They are very big tractors and powerful too.

“They have got to do their job and long may they continue. The issue is with the mobile phones.

“We know the farmers or subcontractors have got to keep in contact but it is an offence to use a mobile phone on the road.

“Hopefully the police are cracking down on it.

“Some of the local farmers have been extremely co-operative about this and I take my hat off to them.

“Farmers themselves own the tractors and said if they find any of their people driving dangerously they will take action.”

Maria Wilkinson, spokeswoman for West Mercia police, said: “It is an endorsable offence to drive vehicles while using a mobile phone. People driving any vehicle, whether it be a lorry, car or tractor, can face a fine and three points on their licence.”

A spokesman for the National Farmers Union said he had not heard of any reports of tractor users speaking on their phones while driving.

He stressed the same rules applied for farmers as they did for motorists.

By Chrissy Symmons