A change in the rules for tractors and trailers on the road could finally be on the way – but they probably won’t come into force for another year or two.

The maximum speed for a standard tractor currently stands at 20mph and the total weight of a tractor, trailer and its load is limited to 24.39t.

While this might have been appropriate twenty years ago, industry organisations argue that, with modern kit and better brakes, the law needs updating.

And at last it seems that government officials accept that message and are open to a review of the situation.

Last week a committee made up of representatives from the NFU, dealer organisation BAGMA, contractor body the NAAC and the Agricultural Engineers Association met with officials from DfT (Department for Transport) and VOSA (Vehicle and Operator Services Agency). The group was able to introduce its proposals for how it would like to see the law change.

As we understand it, a two-tier system has been put forward that would involve some form of voluntary roadworthiness testing. For those not wanting to have their tractors and trailers tested, the situation would remain as it currently stands – a 20mph (32kph) top speed and 24.39t maximum gross weight. However, operators willing to put their machinery through an annual test would be able to travel at omore than 20mph and run at train weights of more than 30t.

As yet the exact limits have not been set, but EU homologation rules mean that most conventional tractors are only approved to travel at 40kph, so we’re unlikely to see 50kph speeds legalised.

It’s likely that any vehicle travelling above 20mph (32kph) would be required to have ABS and a twin-line, fail-safe set-up, as well as proving it has a braking efficiency of about 50%.

Those involved with the negotiations stress that, at this stage, these are only proposals and any change in the law is at least 12-18 months away.

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