Motorists urged to take extra care during harvest season
Motorists are being warned of the dangers that may be present as farmers use the roads more when harvesting and moving their produce.
This time of year is very busy in the farming calendar with many crops requiring harvest and transportation, often within a short window of opportunity in order to ensure consumers can enjoy the produce in prime condition. However, this burst of activity traditionally sees a rise in road collisions, many of which are preventable.
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 the 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.
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. In the last three years*, there have been 67 collisions across Warwickshire and West Mercia where mud was recorded as a contributory factor.
Philip Rogers-Coltman, of national insurance broker Lycetts, said that mud on the road caused by farm vehicles has become more of a problem in recent years due to changing weather patterns and increased use of the vehicles over a wider distance.
Philip said: “Over the next month or two a combination of intensive harvesting and wet weather is likely to mean that mud is deposited on the roads from tractors and other machinery which have been in the fields.
“Too many farmers are unaware that, under various highways acts, they have a responsibility to ensure that roads are not left excessively muddy by their farm vehicles.”
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 Lee Davenport, Head of the Force Operations Department, Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police said: “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. We have already taken action against offenders who haven’t complied with this legislation and will continue to take a tough stance against anyone who we believe is being reckless and irresponsible.”
