Not such a level playing field
Page 2
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It is intriguing that the government is consulting on increasing the weight limit for agricultural trailers and is Looking to raise tractor speed limits from 20mph to 25mph (see page 4). All vehicles will have to pass an annual roadworthiness test to qualify for the changes. We fully support the annual check but, unfortunately, no farmer will have to hold an 0-licence. 0-licensing is the
keystone of the industry. Proving financial standing, keeping records of drivers' hours, and proving the roadworthiness of any vehicle above 3.5 tonnes makes the standards of compliance in the UK among the highest in Europe.
The European Commission recognises this: in its proposal on periodic roadworthiness tests for motor vehicles and their trailers, repealing Directive 2009/40/EC which it published last year it said: "agricultural vehicles'.., risk potential is comparable to that of trucks and therefore this vehicle category should be treated in the same way as trucks regarding roadworthiness testing". A level playing field for all concerned in agricultural movements should be the primary concern of this consultation. Christopher Walton Group news editor