NEWS | West Mercia Police is reminding all road users to take extra care on rural roads as the harvest season continues

West Mercia Police is reminding all road users to take extra care on rural roads as the harvest season continues and asking motorists to be patient around agricultural vehicles during this important period.

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, 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 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 2019, there have been 7 fatal, 22 serious injury and 38 slight injury collisions across West Mercia involving an agricultural 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. 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 Steph Brighton, West Mercia Police said: “While the majority of farmers take steps to ensure they keep the roads clear of mud and debris, 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.

“We are also asking farmers to ensure they are not driving agricultural vehicles on the roads with an obscured field of vision. In simple terms, if there is a front implement on your tractor and it obscures your vision, you could be liable for prosecution. Help us to promote good working practises within your community by ensuring any such implements are on a flatbed instead.

“General motorists are asked to take extra care and patience on rural roads during the harvest season. 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.”

Drivers of agricultural vehicles or anyone wishing to report any issues regarding debris or mud on the road should contact West Mercia Police on 101 or online at www.westmercia.police.uk