Police target tractor drivers towing unsecured loads
Police forces are cracking down on tractor-trailers travelling on roads with unsecured bulk loads.
Greater Manchester Police’s road traffic team posted a photo on social media of a green tractor transporting a blue trailer overloaded with manure.
A police motorcyclist spotted the trailer with an unsecured load on Bury New Road, Manchester, on 15 March.
See also: DVSA to tighten harvest enforcement of ag trailer road rules
The tractor driver was reported and the vehicle has been stopped from being used until it is road legal. Police said the trailer was also being driven on the road without displaying a registration number plate.
Police motorcyclist from #GMPCVU on route to court spotted this insecure load on Bury New Rd. Driver reported and vehicle prohibited until rectified.#GMP #saferroads #CVU pic.twitter.com/8Vws3XjqZv
— GMP Traffic (@gmptraffic) March 15, 2023
In Lincolnshire, road traffic police in Boston stopped a green tractor pulling a trailer carrying Brussels sprouts above the load line on Friday 17 March.
Road traffic legislation requires that bulk loads are not a risk or danger to any person “by reason of the load or any part… falling or being blown from the vehicle”.
Bulk loads must also be kept below the level of the top or sides of the trailer. Otherwise, they must be covered with a sheet or rigid cover that completely covers the loadbed.
Jill Hewitt, chief executive at the National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC), said: “We are advising our members not to fill trailers with items above the load line. That is a red line and where people may get stopped.
“If you are carrying bales, have them properly secured and have a look at the DVSA guidance on carrying bulk loads if you are not sure.”