Tractors and caravans which hold up traffic this Easter bank holiday could be fined. Police will be on the lookout for long queues disrupting the holiday traffic this weekend, according to leading farm vehicle insurance firm, Quotezone.co.uk.
The firm says police forces will be especially aware of the Highway Code’s Rule 169 this weekend, which says road users must not create or hold up a long queue of traffic. The rule pays special attention to those driving a large or slow-moving vehicle – potentially making tractor drivers high on the list to gain police attention.
Greg Wilson, founder of Quotezone.co.uk, says holding up more than six cars could risk 3-9 points on a driving licence, and a fine of up to £5,000. He comments: “Traffic jams could be more numerous and longer as holidaymakers avoid foreign trips due to the chaos and cancellation at airports and ports – with the addition of mass rail engineering works ruling out alternative transport closer to home.”
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If tractor drivers find they are creating queues, the Highway Code and police forces advise that they pull over, where safe, and allow traffic to overtake, as frustration can lead to dangerous manoeuvres to try and bypass farm vehicles. The police will also be looking at motorists with caravans, trailers and horse boxes who will need to be conscious of how their driving is affecting other road users.
Sensible measures such as checking mirrors, and showing reasonable consideration for other road users should avoid prosecutions. Greg Wilson continues: “Farmers are incredibly busy and it’s not always possible to pull over but it’s really important to be as safe as possible on the roads and also safeguard finances.
“Penalty points could see insurance premiums increase by as much as 25% for 6 points - given tractor insurance can be rather expensive, it isn’t worth the financial risk or potentially losing a driving licence if the new penalties push total points to more than 12.”
According to Wales Online, the best advice for drivers who want to overtake a large vehicle is to take time to prepare your manoeuvre. You should drop back, as this increases your ability to see ahead and also puts you within sight of the vehicle's mirrors.
Make sure you have enough room to overtake and if you doubt the safety of the move avoid doing it. It is also important not to assume that you can follow a driver who is already overtaking the large vehicle, there may be further traffic ahead.
