Faster speeds for modern tractors

Regulations on farm veichle speed could be cut in an effort to help farmers transport goods more efficiently and, Roads Minister Robert Goodwill has announced today

The consultation seeks views on allowing conventional tractors to travel at up to 25 mph, rather than 20 mph.

A seperate consultation is also seeking views on increasing the weight limits for agricultural vehicles enabling farm workers to transport more goods and better suit modern farm machinery.

Robert Goodwill said: "Whether it’s helping to put food on the table, or driving industry forward with biofuel   production, the UK relies on our farming community getting the job done.
“The Government is determined to cut red tape and make farmers’ lives as easy as possible – enabling them to safely transport more goods, more quickly will help increase production and drive down costs which could be reflected in the price of food.”

Currently the highest speed allowed for most tractors  is 20mph. Under the proposals, this could be increased to 25mph, while the weight limit for agricultural trailers and combinations could increase to 21 tonnes (t) for agricultural trailers and 31t for combinations.

However Vehicles would have to pass an annual roadworthiness test to qualify for the changes.

The consultation will consider various changes to the current trailer and combination weights and the proposed changes would allow agricultural vehicle operators to take an annual vehicle test which would enable them to drive with increased weights.

The consultations will run until 30 January 2014.