MEMBERS of NFU Scotland are being challenged over whether their agricultural vehicles are fit for the public highway.

A series of workshops focussing on transport issues are being held by the union in Perthshire, Banffshire, Caithness and Ayrshire during June, July, August and September in conjunction with Police Scotland and DVSA.

With legislation constantly changing, the workshops are the ideal opportunity for farmers, their employees, crofters and landowners to gain up-to-date knowledge on any rules that could affect them.

The events will cover licensing regulations; loaders, forks and other projections; load security; weights; coupling; brakes; lighting and marking; tyres; general vehicle maintenance and road behaviours.

The events will be led by Linlithgow farmer Jamie Smart, who chairs the union’s legal and technical committee and operates the union’s agricultural vehicles helpline for members. Mr Smart said: “The popularity of these workshops continues to grow – every event we’ve held in the last three years has been oversubscribed.

“That is good news, as it is a clear sign that farmers and those within the industry are taking road safety seriously and are keen to keep abreast of the latest changes that apply to them with regards to vehicles and transportation.

“Vehicle legislation is complicated and can cause confusion amongst farmers and those that use agricultural vehicles," conceded Mr Smart. "The workshops with Police Scotland and DVSA are the ideal opportunity for members to hear from the experts, ask questions and find out more information about certain transportation issues that are legally important.

“Not everyone always complies with the law, some unknowingly, and these events will give them the skills and knowledge to comply with the rules. Transport is important to almost every farmer and I encourage everyone to come along and participate.”

NFUS members can attend either the morning or afternoon sessions at any of the following events – Wednesday June 28, Townhead Farm, Balbeggie, Perthshire; Wednesday July 5, Backmuir of Keith, Keith, Banffshire; Wednesday August 30, Aberdeen and Northern Marts, Quoybrae, Watten, Caithness; Wednesday September 27, Stonebriggs, Cronberry, Cumnock. Members can call 0131 472 4000 to register.