Tractors

NFU Scotland has asked for courtsey after a complaint was lodged regarding tractors such as john deere tractors


Representatives of the National Farmers' Union Scotland have politely asked that all drivers on the road show some 'common courtesy' after drivers in tractors were accused of failing to move aside to ease traffic when build ups occured.

Leaders in farming have appealed for some patience from fellow motorists as they explain how many farmers are taking advantage of any sporadic dry spells that may occur in order to harvest the autumn produce.

On Tayside and Fife's busiest routes, long queues are an unfortunate regularity leading to rows of frustrated car drivers struggling to navigate themselves past heavy agricultural vehicles.

A motorist hit out, explaining that he's "fed up" of the tractor delays.

He also speculated that a lot of tractor drivers posed an additional danger — and blatantly disregard the law— by visibly chatting on their mobile phones while behind the wheel.

"I regularly drive throughout Tayside and Fife for my work and have noticed more problems than ever this year," one Perthshire dweller voiced. "More and more tractor drivers seem to be ignoring the huge tailbacks they cause.

"I fully understand and appreciate that farmers have a job to do and have every right to be on the road. However, it is surely not too much to ask for them to check their wing mirrors once every few minutes and safely pull over when queues start to build."

The car driver said he was "astonished" to see so many tractor drivers using their mobile phones.

"There has been a very well publicised clampdown on driving while talking on mobiles," he continued. "Farmers cannot fail to be aware of the legislation in that regard and should know better.

"To be caught up behind a slow-moving tractor for a long period only to eventually realise the driver is chattering away on a mobile phone rather than checking for any traffic build-up is a bit galling.

"I know a lot of farmers and have huge respect for what they do but I am getting a bit fed up of seeing 15-minute journeys turn in to near hour-long epics as I crawl along behind yet another tractor."

A spokesman from NFU Scotland explained that many tractor drivers are pulling over for others.

"With the scramble on to complete harvest and groundwork, autumn is often the busiest season for agricultural vehicles on the roads," he said. "Rural road users have a good appreciation of the pressures on farmers to beat the weather in completing their work and their patience and understanding is much appreciated.

"In return, many of those farmers travelling with tractors and implements regularly return the favour and pull over to allow traffic to safely pass when queues develop."

The spokesman urged all drivers to show respect.

"For the sake of continued good relationships between farming and the wider community, and the avoidance of frustration on the roads, common courtesy from both sides will ensure everyone gets to their destination safely," he added.