Farmers and hauliers operating on the Shotley peninsula are being reminded of their responsibilities regarding the transportation of loads in and on trailers whilst we're now well into the harvest season.

Police appreciate the vast majority transport loads safely, but officers still see the odd case of trailers overloaded or loads not being secured properly and vehicles and trailers not in a roadworthy condition.

The DVSA categorisation of defects was updated in May 2022 with significant changes to insecure load criteria to clarify what operators should be doing. Regarding agricultural loads, a trailer should be loaded and sheeted if necessary so that nothing can spill off the sides. If loads such as grain, maize, sugar beet etc are loaded above the height of the sides and not completely sheeted then drivers and operators run the risk of being dealt with formally.

Police are also reminding farmers and hauliers that their vehicles and trailers are roadworthy. These loads must also be covered if they are below the height of the sides as there is a risk of them bouncing or blowing out.

Sgt Brian Calver of the Rural and Wildlife Crime team said: "Hay and straw bales, and agricultural machinery on trailers present a significant risk to other road users and pedestrians if the load shifts. They must be strapped down to the trailer if they're going on the road. Don't rely on just strapping bales with straps down the length of the trailer, every row must be strapped. Machinery will need a minimum of four straps."

Sgt Brian Calver (Picture: Suffolk Police)

"We work closely with the NFU and farming community to support and promote good practices, but in times of cost pressures, we also appreciate that some may be tempted to cut corners to save time and money. Some may think that a short journey on a minor route will be fine, but any journey presents risk, particularly on minor rural roads, where vulnerable road users are more likely to be encountered. Thinking about how to move loads safely and using the right vehicles and load security keeps everyone safe."

Glenn Buckingham Suffolk Vice Chair of the NFU said: "The NFU in effect supports all farmers, and through pre harvest safety training days for members we always raise awareness to safety and consideration of other road users.

"Within in our industry it is imperative we follow good practice and meet the legislation, so at busy times like the summer harvest season and into the autumn I would urge all growers to take a moment and think about any dangers they might be posing. Split grain for example, on a hard road surface from a trailer loaded above the sides is potentially fatal to a cyclist, motorcyclist or even a car.

"Please ensure all loads are safely carried by all drivers and think about the speed, weight and maintenance of the vehicles in the presence of other road users."

Any queries can be emailed to [email protected]