Farmers urged to avoid 'potential risk' of mud on roads

Date: 5/10/2010

Mud left on the road by farmers can pose a serious risk to other motorists, according to one individual.

John Kenny, Chief Claims Manager at NFU Mutual, said the insurance organisation is urging farmers to take extra care as conditions become wetter and field harvesting steps up a gear.

"Very often driver error or excess speed is a major factor in accidents involving vehicles skidding on mud - but it is far better to avoid the potential risk of an accident," he remarked.

Most farmers are aware of the dangers posed by mud, but many are confused about the law on this issue, Mr Kenny continued.

He explained it is an offence under the Highways Act to deposit mud on the road and agricultural workers have a legal responsibility to ensure they take every care to avoid doing so.

Brian Wilcox, Herefordshire Council's Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation, recently highlighted the issue when he told the Hereford Times farmers can make the countryside safer by ensuring hedges do not obstruct signs and mud is not carried from fields.

Posted by Sarah Bailey