Intensive lobbying by NFU Scotland, alongside other UK unions, has successfully secured exemptions for agricultural vehicles from unnecessary and burdensome MOT testing.

After a ‘trilogue’ agreement between the European Parliament, Council and Commission at the end of last year, MEPs in Strasbourg have today (Tuesday, 11 March) agreed to ditch the proposals in a full plenary vote.

The plans, which formed part of the EU’s wide ranging ‘Roadworthiness Package’, would have introduced new costly MOT-style testing for many agricultural vehicles including tractors and all livestock trailers.

Originally all ‘O2’ graded trailers, such as a normal livestock trailer towed behind a four wheel drive vehicle, would have been subject to MOT-style testing.

On tractor testing the Union also successfully argued that requiring the same level of testing as is required for HGVs was unreasonable due to the multitasking nature of agricultural machinery. Legal restrictions on issues such as red diesel use and operator licensing mean that tractors are used on the road for more limited time than in other countries and as such farmers in the UK should not be penalised.

NFU Scotland’s Legal and Technical Policy Manager Gemma Thomson said:

“The proper and safe transport of vehicles, equipment, livestock and goods is in the interests of all but driving unnecessary cost and bureaucracy into the system would have been in no one’s interest.

“Through a lobbying effort from the UK farming unions’ office in Brussels, we have successfully tackled the unwelcome level of testing, cost and inconvenience that these proposals may have brought with little or no benefit to road safety. 

“It will come as a welcome relief for Scottish livestock keepers that MOT-style testing of livestock trailers will not now be required.

“In addition, testing of standard large T5 tractors – while still included in the scope of the final agreement – will only involve those that travel ‘mainly on public roads’.  That deal comes with sensible, proper exemptions for farmers using tractors in agriculture and horticulture.

“The final agreement is likely to come early in 2014 when the European Parliament and member state ministers are expected to formally adopt the package.”    

• NFU Scotland has a vehicle helpline – 07733 136424 – to assist its members with the plethora of queries that surround the legal use of agricultural vehicles, both on and off road. The free advice line is run by Linlithgow farmer Jamie Smart, Legal and Technical Committee representative for Lothian and Borders. As a former chairman of the Legal and Technical Committee, Jamie has, over many years, built up a strong knowledge of the rules and regulations behind agricultural transportation.  Members can also contact Jamie on the email address: [email protected]