February 17, 2015 2.28 pm This story is over 109 months old

Tractor speed limits to increase in Lincolnshire

Tractors’ speed increase: The speed limit for agricultural vehicles in Lincolnshire is due to increase from 20mph to 25mph for March 9.
| Photo: John Deere

The speed limit for agricultural vehicles in Lincolnshire is due to increase from 20mph to 25mph for March 9.

The change has been announced by Transport Minister Claire Perry, who also said the maximum combined weight of a tractor and trailer is to increase from 24.39 tonnes to 31 tonnes.

The change could also increase the amount of produce that some farmers can carry in a journey, resulting in fewer journeys.

Claire Perry MP, said: “These increases, which I expect to create over £57 million a year in deregulatory savings for the farming industry will, when in force, update our regulations to better reflect modern machinery and bring British farmers more in line with their international counterparts.”

Photo: John Deere

Photo: John Deere

Country Land and Business Association (CLA), which represents farmers, landowners and rural businesses across Lincolnshire is backing the initiative.

CLA East Regional Director Ben Underwood said: “It is good to see a burden on the efficiency of agricultural businesses being removed in order to improve the competitiveness of our farmers.

“The changes more appropriately reflect the capabilities of modern agricultural machinery and bring the UK in line with our competitors in other EU member states.

“It is worth noting as well that these changes will also go a long way towards making our rural roads safer by potentially reducing the amount of overtaking that takes place.

“We will press for further changes, especially related to the weight limit for heavier trailers. It is time to make sure the law reflects the major advance in scale and sophistication of agricultural machinery that has taken place over the years.”