Shropshire Star

Harvest warning for drivers

Drivers are being warned that more tractors and agricultural vehicles are on the road as harvesting carries on across Shropshire.

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Harvest brings large agricultural vehicles onto the roads

West Mercia Police say extra care and patience should be taken during this important season for the region. But officers are also warning farmers and contractors of their legal obligations, particularly in regard to mud on the road.

Superintendent Mel Crowther said agriculture is one of the region’s key industries and this time of year is very busy in the farming calendar, with many crops requiring harvest and transportation.

However, this burst of activity traditionally sees a rise in road collisions, many of which are preventable.

Superintendent Crowther said: "A significant proportion of the collisions involving agricultural vehicles occur on rural roads with 60mph speed limits, and many near turnings into farms. The typical causes of collisions are poor overtaking manoeuvres and inappropriate speed, with drivers finding themselves unable to stop in time when presented with a slow moving or wide vehicle.

"Since the start of 2017 there have been 83 collisions across West Mercia involving an agricultural vehicle.

“While it can be frustrating travelling behind an agricultural vehicle, it’s not worth getting impatient and putting yourself and other road users at risk with dangerous manoeuvres.”

Debris

Officers say a further hazard is caused by mud and debris being brought onto the roads by tractors and other vehicles that have been working in the fields. Under the Highways Act (1980), farmers and contractors have a legal obligation to ensure their vehicles are cleared of any mud or debris before entering the public highway. Excess mud on the road is a danger to cars, motorbikes and cyclists and can change the way a vehicle handles, causing skidding, especially in wet conditions.

Superintendent Crowther added: “Every year we face problems with agricultural vehicles leaving large amounts of mud and debris on the roads during the harvest season. While the majority of farmers take steps to ensure they keep the roads clear and safe, not all are as diligent.

“We would like to remind farmers and contractors of their responsibilities under the Highways Act and we will continue to take a tough stance against anyone who we believe is being reckless and irresponsible. This also includes other motoring offences such as mobile phone use.

"Although many drivers of agricultural vehicles use the roads in a responsible way, we are reminding them to be aware of the impact they can have and consider other road users while they undertake their work. During busy traffic periods, pull into a lay-by or safe place to allow other vehicles to pass safely, to avoid traffic build-up and prevent unsafe overtaking manoeuvres.

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