Farmers warn of 'toe curling' risks on roads

Farmer Henry Moreton is asking drivers to be patient during harvest season

Farmers have urged motorists to be patient when travelling on rural roads during the harvest season after "several scary moments".

Henry Moreton, who farms near Woodhall Spa in Lincolnshire, said he had encountered multiple incidents of drivers attempting to overtake his tractor and combine harvester when it is not safe to do so.

"It does make your toes curl up," he said.

"You're better getting home two minutes later than not getting home at all. There are too many accidents, head on collisions with tractors and machinery. Just be vigilant."

Farmer Jason Butler wants drivers to have "a bit more patience"

Jason Butler, the owner of Pumpkin Patch Produce in Bewholme, East Yorkshire, said: "You do see some daft things - people overtaking on blind corners and taking unnecessary risks.

"If everyone went a bit steadier and had a bit more patience, then everyone would get there safely."

A spokesperson for insurer NFU Mutual said collisions between agricultural vehicles and third parties were 65% more likely between the start of May and the end of September, compared with other months.

Mr Moreton says there are courteous people on the roads, but not all drivers are considerate

Mr Moreton, who is Lincolnshire county chair of the National Farmers' Union (NFU), described a "terrifying wincing moment" when a minibus with children on board attempted to overtake him on a blind bend.

"The thing is, we will have to deal with the consequences," he said.

"We're the first responder. We're going to be the people getting people out of those cars or that bloke out of the hedge on his motorbike. It's a really scary thing. It's terrifying really."

NFU president Tom Bradshaw said: "We'll do our best to make sure we have safe loads, that we're not holding up the traffic too much, but this is a two-way thing. There needs to be a bit of understanding from everybody."

NFU president Tom Bradshaw says harvest is already a highly pressured time for farmers

According to the Highway Code, if you are planning to overtake a large vehicle you should:

• Drop back, make sure there is enough room, and do not cut in too quickly

• Be aware large vehicles may need extra space when turning

• Do not cross double white lines where the line nearest you is solid unless it is safe and you need to enter an adjoining premises or road

• You can also cross double white lines to overtake a vehicle traveling at 10mph (16km/h) or less

If you are driving a large vehicle:

• Do not hold up a long queue of traffic

• Check your mirrors frequently and, if necessary, pull in where it is safe and let traffic pass

• Vehicles with a maximum speed of 25mph (40km/h) or less must use a flashing amber beacon on unrestricted dual carriageways

Mr Moreton said: "We will pull over if we can, but in certain conditions, we can't.

"We're very proud to serve the British public by growing food, so if the British public could give us a minute or two of their time, we will get out of the way as quick as possible."

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