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What are the tractor rules?

28th July 2005, Page 10
28th July 2005
Page 10
Page 10, 28th July 2005 — What are the tractor rules?
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

A IC wants VOSA to clarify the rules governing the use of farm

tractors. Mike Jewell -eports.

A TRAFFIC Commissioner has called for the rules governing the use of agricultural tractors for transport operations Lobe simplified.

TC David Dixon wants the confusion surrounding exemption from 0-licences, use of red diesel and driving licences cleared up following conflicting advice from VOSA. He says this would help operators and would be in line with the government's policy of deregulation.

His comments came as he panted a four-vehicle/five-trailer licence to Rugeley-based agricultural tractor operator Wallett Bros.The company, which had applied for a licence in March, had been operating under interim authority since April.

The TC said the issues were whether an 0-licence was required, and if it was the company that was "using" the vehicles.

For VOSA, David James said the vehicles concerned were large agricultural tractors being used on roadworks on the A500 in the Stoke-on-Trent area. They were also used to remove spoil from the site to the Golden Hill Golf Course, a number of miles away. This fell outside the exemptions and VOSA had concluded that a licence was required.

For the company, John Dyne said that it was accepted that it was the user of the vehicles. A licence had been applied for as soon as written advice was received from VOSA in late February. Dyne said everything the company had done had been done in good faith.

Traffic examiner David Dunham said in May of last year he had advised the company it required an 0-licence, but changed his mind in the summer and then reversed that decision again in October.

Granting the licence, theTC said he was satisfied that the company had not set out to deliberately flout the law. However, it should have sought advice first-hand or through a solicitor.


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