§ Mr. BattleTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what safety guidelines govern the use of tractors and agricultural trailers; and what penalties exist for those who fail to adhere to these guidelines. [18430]
§ Mr. NorrisI have been asked to reply.
The regulations governing the use of agricultural vehicles and their trailers on the road are the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, as amended, unless they are specifically provided for under the Motor Vehicles (Authorisation of Special Types) General Order 1979, as amended, as well as the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989, as amended.
The maximum penalty on conviction of an offence under these regulations of dangerous driving is currently a fine of £5,000 and disqualification. The Road Traffic Act 1991 allows the maximum penalty for causing death by driving, on conviction, could be five years' imprisonment.
The use of agricultural vehicles and machines off road is covered by the Health and Safety at Work, etc Act 1974. Under these regulations, the penalty for an offence can, dependant upon its gravity, be a maximum of £20,000 if it is heard in a magistrates court or an unlimited fine if it is heard in a high court.
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