Traffic police catch farmers who fail to plan journeys

ARABLE farmers tied up with this year’s stop-start grain harvest were reminded yesterday about new procedures which have been introduced this year for those transporting wide and abnormal vehicles and loads on the roads.

The new system for applying for an agricultural dispensation before vehicles such as combines are taken on the road was introduced in March this year following discussions between NFU Scotland and Police Scotland with the aim of making it easier for farmers to avoid fines and penalties when using the roads.

However, the union yesterday said that it had had a number of reports from farmers who had been unaware of the changes and, not having applied for a dispensation, had subsequently been stopped by police.

The union’s legal and technical policy manager, Gemma Thomson, said that in the course of everyday agricultural operations, farmers frequently had to move machinery on public roads.

She said that in the past, farmers his native Australia. Making the announcement this week, Ray Perman, chairman of the institute’s board of directors, said: “The institute has established a worldwide reputation for the excellence of its science, and it is right that we should search globally for the right person to lead it on the next stage of its progress. We have begun the process, but it is likely to be 2016 before we can make an appointment. After consultation the discussions, farmers now need to follow a standardised application procedure – and, under the new system, should only have to notify Police Scotland once every 12 months for trips up to a 20-mile radius.

Thomson urged farmers using vehicles with a total width exceeding 3m or with an overhang of over 4m to apply for a with the staff, the board is pleased that Colin Campbell has agreed to lead the management team in the interim.

“Working with Bob Ferrier, director of science impact, and Beth Corcoran, finance director, Colin has already put an interim strategy to the board which will ensure that the work of the institute continues uninterrupted and that we can continue to do excellent research and provide our customers and stakeholders with excellent

service.” dispensation as soon as possible, adding that vehicles over 3.5m wide or with an overhang of over 6m require an escort.

Farmers, she said, could apply for the dispensation by e-mail to abnormalloadseast@scotland. pnn.police.uk, notifying the force of their name, farm address and e-mail address, along with the vehicle type and regis-

Campbell commented: “I am delighted to be able to get the chance to help the organisation through this transition period to a new CEO. The institute’s core business of doing science is very strong, we have great staff and a bright future and I am certain this will attract the highest calibre of individual to the role.

As director of science excellence, Campbell was responsible for the strategic development of the institute’s scientists, facilities and resources. He has 28 years of research experience in soil microbiology/soil science applied to agri-environment issues. tration numbers and the width and length of the largest piece of equipment.

She said that while most applications were straightforward, Police Scotland still retained the discretion to offer dispensation for a shorter period or to apply individual restrictions which could ask farmers to avoid certain roads and certain times of