British Farmers Forbidden To Help

Brinsley


Joined: 04/04/2009
Posts: 6858

Message Posted:
09/01/2010 12:39

Farmers are not allowed to help clear snow blocked roads or 'cut off' villages using their vehicles because they run on red diesel (derv which is exempt duty/tax) and not allowed on public highways. This at a time when Councils are struggling to cope themselves and with salt & grit stocks extremely low, I would have thought any sort of help would be welcome. Odd times we live in!



Richard

ROBnJO


Joined: 30/06/2008
Posts: 1289

Message Posted:
09/01/2010 12:48

""Farmers who have secured contracts report rates of between £35 to £75 an hour, and they can use red diesel provided they are clearing public roads and not private areas such as supermarket car parks. Some contracts include a retaining fee which is paid irrespective of winter weather. The contracts often run for a few years, and the council will supply the plough. With front linkage now more common on tractors the ploughs are more easily fitted and exchanged from one tractor to another. ""





Fuller article:



http://www.farmideas.co.uk/newsdetailed.php?id=71





Rob

rigsby


Joined: 21/09/2007
Posts: 912

Message Posted:
09/01/2010 12:56

I spent part of June 2009 delivering snow ploughs to farmers all over the Cotswolds.The type of plough that fits a tractor.One farmer owned 7 tractors ! All different colours for different days of the week,Honest.

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
09/01/2010 13:14

Richard - this might be because they could then be held liable should someone be hurt on road they have (or maybe even have not) cleared.



If they are employed by the council then the District or Parish Council indemnity insurance would cover them.

PeeCee


Joined: 16/03/2009
Posts: 133

Message Posted:
09/01/2010 14:39

Rigsby - I live in the snowed in Cotswolds - so I am very grateful to you!