New regulations came into force this week concerning tractors, trailers and the speeds associated with their use.
The changes, announced by the Department of Transport and Claire Perry MP last October, became active on Monday. The aim of the regulations is to help improve road safety by encouraging farmers to carry more loads and take fewer journeys. Aside from increased productivity, it will also help the environment as fewer journeys will produce less CO2 emissions.
The combined trailer/tractor limit has been upped to 31 tonnes, an increase from the current 24.39 tonnes. Tractors and trailers will be able to travel at 25 MPH - up from the current 20 MPH speed limit.
John Collen, Transport Spokesman for the NFU, was pleased at the changes, saying: "The date given for the new speed and weight limits to take effect is helpful for farmers – early March means it’s in time for busy periods such as silage and hay making and harvest."