Contractors want brakes applied on fast tractor proposals

FURTHER concerns have emerged over the proposed NCT for fast tractors.

A recent meeting on the introduction of testing for T5 vehicles that travel faster than 40kmph ran into difficulties over the definition of “agricultural contractor”.

Tom Murphy from PAC Ireland said in the meeting with Department of Transport officials it was implied that un- der the legal term, contractors were under contract to farmers rather than a direct part of the agri-sector.

There were concerns that this meant contractors using a ‘fast tractor’ on a public road would require an NCT.

Mr Murphy said officials had agreed to relook at the issue again with plans to meet in the coming days. However, he did welcome the removal of the 25km base restriction under the original legislation that was revoked. Denis Drennan, ICMSA rural affairs chair, said the continuing degree of uncertainty over the situation was unacceptable.

“We want a complete NCT exemption for tractors involved in agricultural activity, including hauling silage or any other obvious farm-related activity,” he said. Mr Drennan said the onus was on officials to exempt tractors engaged in farm-related activity.

“How are we back to this state of confusion again when the departments concerned had previously accepted our arguments and declared that an NCT would not be required?” he said.

Commercial

ICSA president Patrick Kent said consideration must be given to the fact that the activities of agricultural contractors are an integral part of farming, not a separate commercial activity.

“For the legislation to work in practical terms, it cannot make a distinction between the farmer and the contractor. Contractors keep agriculture in motion,” he said.

Mr Kent stressed the Department of Transport still has a way to go to make proposed legislation on tractor NCTs workable.

Legislation to bring in NCT for some tractors was annulled late last year after farming organisations stated they were not consulted properly.