The agreements reached during the recent negotiations help to ensure that those transporting agricultural loads are less likely to be unfairly penalised, particularly over sheeting of loads, as is the case with the current guidance, with specific reference to where there is a risk that loads will bounce up and out of the trailer.
NFU Farm Safety and Transport adviser Sarah Batchelor said: “This is a great win for the NFU. Not only should this help both our members and enforcement officers to better understand the requirements for load security, but it should also help to reduce unnecessary risk involved with having to work at height and often alone to apply sheets to trailers where hydraulic or mechanical sheeting systems are not suitable.
“It should also help members to have confidence in how they are managing their load security, and reduce the stress associated with potentially getting a penalty.
“It is in farmers’ best interests to not overload their trailers and, to act safely and within the parameters of the law.”
