Being stuck behind a tractor with a long line of traffic on a country road is a massive bugbear for many drivers. But those days could thankfully soon be over.
Over the four-day Easter break, the UK's roads are expected to be busier than ever with tourists flocking to different areas and local residents getting out and about to enjoy the long weekend. And inevitably it will bring traffic jams and delays and should any disruption be caused by tractors, police have the power to take action against the driver. Under the Highway Code’s rule 169, it states 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. The most obvious is tractors but other potential offenders include caravans, trailers and horse boxes, Cornwall Live reports. The Highway Code and police advise those that are creating long queues to pull over where it is safe to do so and allow traffic to overtake as frustration can lead to dangerous manoeuvres to try and bypass farm vehicles.
Read more: Hundreds queue at Birmingham Airport security in Easter getaway rush
Holding up more than six cars could risk three to nine points on a driving licence and a fine of up to £5,000. Police could well be seen enforcing the rule during the busy Easter period.
Greg Wilson, founder of leading farm vehicle insurance firm Quotezone.co.uk, which compares insurance quotes for farmers, said: “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.
“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 per cent for six points. gGven 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.”
