The necessary regulations to increase the weight and speed limits of tractors and trailers on the country’s roads have been laid before parliament.
“These changes, which I announced on 17 October 2014, are being implemented by The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) (Amendment) Regulations 2015. They will take effect from 9 March 2015,” explained Claire Perry MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Transport. “Existing limits will apply until then.”
From 9 March 2015 an agricultural tractor towing an agricultural trailer will be able to travel at higher combination weight limit of 31 tonnes, an increase on the current limit of 24.39t. However, the existing trailer limit of 18.29t remains in place.
The government hopes that farmers will more “appropriately size their combinations as the current outdated weight limit incentivises farmers to use smaller tractors to tow larger trailers.” According to Ms Perry the change could also increase the amount of produce that some farmers can carry in a journey resulting in fewer journeys.
Also from 9 March, agricultural tractors and trailers which are currently restricted under the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 (as amended) to travelling at 20 miles per hour (mph) will be able to travel at 40 kilometres per hour (approximately 25mph).
“We are also considering further increases to speed and weight limits including to the 18.29t trailer weight limit to bring further benefits to the industry alongside a roadworthiness test for harvest 2016,” she added.