It’s harvest time – so be careful on roads (From Evesham Journal)

It’s harvest time – so be careful on roads

5:00pm Sunday 7th October 2012 in Evesham

DRIVERS and farm workers are being urged to take care on Worcestershire’s roads during the harvest season.

The Safer Roads Partnership and West Mercia Police are reminding motorists of the potential dangers during this time of year as the county sees a rise in agricultural vehicle movements.

Road users are being urged to watch out for mud and debris on the highway while drivers of agricultural vehicles are urged to pull into laybys or safe places to allow other vehicles to pass safely.

Contractors and farmers are also reminded that the use of mobile phones when behind the wheel of an agricultural vehicle is a criminal offence and to abide by weight limits on roads.

Vicki Bristow, communications manager at the Safer Roads Partnership in West Mercia, said: "We appreciate that during this time of the year farmers have to increasingly use the roads to transport their crops around but if the points raised above are adhered to this will reduce the road safety concerns for all road users.

“Motorists also need to be more careful and patient at this time of year and they should be aware that there is a necessity for more agricultural vehicles to be on the roads and not to chance risky manoeuvres.”

Farmers and contractors have a duty to ensure that their vehicles are cleared of mud or debris before entering on to the highway.

Drivers of agricultural vehicles can get advice from the Worcestershire Hub on 01905 765765. People can use the same number to report debris or mud on the road.