The revised vehicle standards published by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) in relation to agricultural vehicles and affecting a number of key road safety areas including braking, lighting and visibility, weights, dimensions and coupling, and plating and speed rating come into effect from 1 January 2016.

The RSA has advised that changes to the regulatory regime were required to reflect developments in agricultural vehicle technology and to comply with recognised vehicle standards in relation to critical road safety areas, ie braking, suspension systems, tyres and lighting, as well as the weights for which the vehicles are designed. The RSA has stated that the majority of correctly maintained tractors already in use will comply with the revised standards. Those which do not comply are likely to need only minor remedial works carried out, such as installation of a flashing amber beacon and/or a replacement manufacturer’s plate indicating their design axle weights and maximum permitted towable masses.

The RSA has produced a series of videos outlining the revised standards for agricultural vehicles. The videos are available to view on www.youtube.com/RSAIreland and bring to life the content of the RSA’s booklet, Revised Standards for Agricultural Vehicles, which is available to download from the RSA website. The videos are an excellent starting place for anybody seeking to clarify the extent of the revised standards.

Denise Barry, RSA director of vehicle standards and enforcement, said: “These videos will help to explain the revised standards clearly, outlining where the key changes are, as well as what is now required in terms of compliance. The RSA is keen to ensure that everyone working in the agricultural industry has access to clear information on how the revised standards will impact their vehicles and work. I encourage anyone working in this area to have a look at the videos on the RSA’s YouTube page and get up to speed on what is required from 1 January 2016.”

FTMTA Grass & Muck 2016

The closing date for the receipt of completed application forms for FTMTA Grass & Muck is 29 January and it is expected that demand for space at the event will be very strong. Firms interested in exhibiting at the event are urged to submit their completed application now.

FTMTA Grass & Muck will take place on Thursday 12 May at Gurteen Agricultural College near Birr.