The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has confirmed that it will be updating its load security guidance for farmers operating tractors and trailers, making it less onerous when it comes to sheeting certain loads.

The move follows six months of negotiations with the NFU, which found that the previously updated DVSA guidance from July 2023 was not reasonable or practical for many farmers transporting agricultural loads. 

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New agreements reached between the two organisations will mean that farmers are less likely to be penalised, particularly for the sheeting of loads and the transporting of items which could bounce out of a trailer, which was an area of concern under the former guidance.

NFU deputy president David Exwood said that this is a “great win”, and will help enforcement officers to understand the nature of agricultural transport.

He said: “Not only should this help both our members and enforcement officers to better understand the requirements for load security, but it should also help to reduce unnecessary risk involved with having to work at height and often alone to apply sheets to trailers where hydraulic or mechanical sheeting systems are not suitable.

“It should also help members to have confidence in how they are managing their load security, and reduce the stress associated with potentially getting a penalty.”

The updates are due to be published in late spring, when further advice will be available to farmers.