Mud on Roads

[DaveM]

The following was copied from the Beacon RCC web site

 

Press Release. Mon 2nd December. 

Be Aware Of Mud On The Roads 

Issued on Behalf of The Safer Roads Partnership 

The Safer Roads Partnership with Warwickshire and West Mercia Police are again reminding motorists to drive carefully on rural roads across the region and take extra care where there is mud on the roads. 

Agriculture is one of the areas’ key industries and the combination of harvesting a wide variety of crops at this time of year and the change in the weather can see areas of mud and debris on the road. 

A particular hazard at this time of year is caused by mud and debris being brought onto the roads by tractors and other vehicles that have been working in the fields. Under the Highways Act (1980), farmers and contractors have a legal obligation to ensure their vehicles are cleared of any mud or debris before entering the public highway. 

Anna Higgins, Communications Manager at the Safer Roads Partnership said “We’re advising all motorists to take extra care on rural roads during the late harvest season. Excess mud is a danger to cars, motorbikes and cyclists and can change the way a vehicle handles and can cause skidding, especially in wet conditions like we’ve had recently. 

“If you see a ‘mud on the road’ sign please take this seriously, drive with caution and treat this the same way that you would with icy or slippery roads.” 

Superintendent Lee Davenport, Policing Operations, Warwickshire and West Mercia Police said: “Every year we face problems with agricultural vehicles leaving large amounts of mud and debris on the roads during the harvest season. While the majority of farmers take steps to ensure they keep the roads clear and safe, not all are as diligent. 

“We would like to remind farmers and contractors of their responsibilities under the Highways Act. We have already taken action against offenders who haven’t complied with this legislation and will continue to take a tough stance against anyone who we believe is being reckless and irresponsible.” 

Sarah Faulkner, NFU regional environment and rural affairs adviser, said: “Farm operations at this time of the year could lead to mud being drawn out of fields. For this reason, it is important for farmers and contractors to have a plan to warn other road users of the hazard and clean the road as soon as possible, throughout the operation if required. Having working lights is also a legal requirement to travel on the roads and with the evenings drawing in, there is an even greater need for good lights to ensure you’re as visible to other drivers as possible. 

“There is, however, a real need for other road users to continue to bear with the farming community and be aware of farm vehicles when out and about on the roads. The NFU is also working with the police and local authorities to raise awareness of the issue at key times of the year.” 

Drivers of agricultural vehicles or anyone wishing to report issues regarding debris or mud on the road can contact the following agencies: 

Worcestershire: 

Worcestershire Hub – 01905 765765 

Herefordshire: 

‘Streetscene’ – 01432 261 800 

Shropshire: 

Shropshire Council – 0345 678 9006 

Telford & Wrekin: 

Telford & Wrekin Council – 01952 384000 

Warwickshire: 

Warwickshire County Council – 01926 412 515
_________________

[Sean Barker]

[Mrs DAVIES]

Came up Croft Lane, off Astwood Lane. The surface was terrible. There was a tractor going up and down the road covering it in thick lumpy mud. By the time I reached the end of the lane I had to remove my front wheel to un jam all the mud out from under the front wheel arches.

[Sean Barker]

A particular hazard at this time of year is caused by mud and debris being brought onto the roads by tractors and other vehicles that have been working in the fields. Under the Highways Act (1980), farmers and contractors have a legal obligation to ensure their vehicles are cleared of any mud or debris before entering the public highway. 

 

I have never seen anyone honouring that particular rule and would be surprised if any of you have witnessed it.