NFU Scotland is reminding those feeding or bedding stock with bale spikes, pallet forks or tines to ensure, if travelling on the roads, they do so safely.
The union is aware of a number of incidents where Police Scotland stopped farmers with their vehicles and charged them as they were regarded as operating with an unsafe attachment or ‘dangerous projection’ on their tractor or tele-handler.
For some farmers this has resulted in a £100 fine and a three-point penalty.
Health and Safety guidance says forks or other mounted attachments should be either removed and carried elsewhere, folded back and secured, or covered/protected by an appropriate guard.
The NFUS legal and technical policy manager Gemma Thomson said: “While we want farmers and their staff to work safely in and around farm buildings, they also need to bear in mind the safety of others and the rules if taking their vehicles on the road.”
