After the release of the previously updated DVSA guidance in July 2023, the NFU identified that the guidance was not reasonable or practical for many transporting agricultural loads.
The agreements reached during the recent negotiations help to ensure that those transporting agricultural loads are less likely to be unfairly penalised, particularly with regards to the 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.
The NFU transport, legal and commodity advisors have been working with support from Jill Hewitt, CEO of the NAAC (National Association of Agricultural Contractors), to ensure that the nature of agricultural loads is understood and fairly treated in the guidance.
Reducing unnecessary risk
NFU Deputy President David Exwood 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 important that the guidance does not go beyond the law or negatively impact members. The collaboration of legal, sector and transport advisors has achieved this.”
NFU Farm Safety and Transport adviser Sarah Batchelor
NFU Farm Safety and Transport adviser Sarah Batchelor said: “It is in farmers’ best interests not to overload their trailers and to act safely and within the parameters of the law.
“But it is important that the guidance does not go beyond the law or negatively impact members. The collaboration of legal, sector and transport advisors has achieved this.”
The updates are due to be published in late spring/early summer, and further advice will be provided then.
Until the new guidance is published, you should continue to use the current guidance.
See our advice page on load security for more information.
