A SOLICITOR has warned farmers of increased police checks on unguarded farm machinery travelling on public roads.
Simon Catterall, partner in Stockton-based Mincoff Jacksons, which acts as National Farmers’ Union regional solicitors, reports an increase in checks in Durham, Cleveland and North Yorkshire.
“The police appear to be taking special interest in bale spikes, blades, forks and other protruding sharp appliances that are fitted to or mounted on the front of tractors,” he said.
“Some farmers who fail to remove or effectively guard these implements are being prosecuted.”
The Road Vehicles Authorisation of Special Types (General) Order 2003 makes it the duty of farmers to ensure agricultural machinery is guarded so that no danger is caused or is likely to be caused, not just to other road users, but to any person who might come into contact with them.
Mr Catterall said farmers should ensure that agricultural implements with forks, bale spikes and sharp cutting instruments are either removed or guarded before venturing on to the highway.
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