The guidance has been jointly developed by the NFU, NFUS (National Farmers’ Union of Scotland) and the NAAC (National Association of Agricultural Contractors), working in conjunction with the NPCC (National Police Chiefs’ Council).
It aims to provide practical, consistent advice to help improve safety and compliance when escort vehicles are required.
Supporting safe and legal road movements
Moving large agricultural machinery and loads on public roads is an essential part of modern farming, but it can also present risks to operators, other road users and pedestrians if not managed correctly.
This new guidance brings together key legal requirements and recognised best practice in one clear document, helping businesses understand:
- When an escort vehicle or attendant is legally required.
- What role the attendant or escort driver must fulfil.
- What type of vehicle is suitable for use as an escort.
- Recommended lighting, signage and communication arrangements.
- Where escort vehicles should be positioned on different types of road.
The document is specific to agricultural movements and makes a clear distinction between what is a legal requirement and what is best practice.
Download the guidance
Accessing the guidance
The agricultural escort vehicle guidance is available to download. Members are encouraged to review it carefully before undertaking any movement involving abnormal agricultural loads and to ensure all operators involved in such movements understand their responsibilities.
As with all guidance of this nature, it is not a substitute for legal advice, and operators remain responsible for ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation.
