North MSP Calls For Action On Slow Moving Farm Vehicles

3rd June 2013

North MSP concerned about frustration caused by slow moving farm vehicles to other road users.

Highlands & Islands (Labour) MSP and road safety campaigner David Stewart has called for more action with regards to frustration caused to other road users by slow moving farm vehicles.

Speaking today Mr Stewart said “ I have been working with the ‘HGV 50mph Campaign’ to try and persuade the Government to increase the speed limit for HGV’s on main route single carriageways from 40mph to 50mph. I have asked for this issue to be piloted on the A9. Now I have to look at the frustration caused to other road users by slow moving farm vehicles. We need to be realistic and support our local farmers, but some farmers who take to primary routes during peak times at rush hour with their tractors and then fail to pull over, causing large tailbacks, are quite frankly driving in an inconsiderate manner. All I ask is that common sense be displayed”.

Mr Stewart continued “ Yes, I appreciate farmers need access to fields and Marts, they need our support in lots of different ways and I am fully behind them and the essential service they provide to us all. I am also happy if their vehicles are road worthy, that they are entitled to use the road like anyone else, but do they have to take to primary routes during rush hour? - and if they do, - should they not be prepared to pull over and prevent tailbacks and frustration?

I understand that the Road Traffic law 1988 section 3, makes it an offence If a person drives a mechanically propelled vehicle on a road or other public place without due care and attention, or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road or place. If this is the case and the Police quite rightly focus on speeding motorists to prevent road collisions, I also ask what are they doing about the extremely slow motorists that causes tailbacks and frustration?

I will be writing to Police Scotland on this matter, particularly since they have made it clear that one of their priorities will be making our roads safer. I will also be writing to the National Farmers Union asking what advice if any they are giving to farmers on this issue.