NFU pledges to put its weight behind tractor and trailer regulations, after increased allowance postponed.


On Friday the NFU promised it would continue to push for greater allowances for tractors and trailers, after the Department for Transport (DfT) called to a halt planned increases in tractor and trailer weight allowances, and maximum speeds.

The union said it was disappointed by the decision, which it claimed would put UK farmers at a competitive disadvantage to their counterparts in France and Germany, which have greater weight allowances. Union leaders called on the DfT to explain the reasoning behind the halt.

Speaking on Friday, NFU crops board chair Mike Hambly said, “The NFU, with the crops board, has worked effectively with the DfT for many years on updating decades-old regulation on tractor and trailer weights and speeds, making progress in moving to 31 tonnes and 40kph. DfT’s announcement has put vital progress on this regulation in jeopardy.
 
“Farmers across the country are being held back by regulation that does not reflect the capabilities of modern machinery and does not allow farmers to use it to its full efficiency. Weight restrictions for tractors and trailers in other countries far surpass our own 31 tonne limit. We’re put at a competitive disadvantage to countries like Germany and France who benefit from 40 and 38 tonne limits respectively.”
 
Hambly continued, “The NFU will keep up the pressure for enabling regulation for the farming sector, and tractor and trailer weights and speeds regulation is a core part of this work. We remain committed to understanding why Phase 2 has been halted with DfT and will report back to members on the action we propose to take.”

Responding to the NFU's comments on Tuesday, a DfT spokesperson said, “We changed the rules in 2015 to allow tractor and trailers to weigh up to 31 tonnes for the first time. It is important to balance the benefit of allowing heavier loads against the increased wear to road surfaces.”