A new helpline - 07733 136424 - has been launched today (6 November) by NFU Scotland to assist its members with the plethora of queries that surround the legal use of agricultural vehicles, both on and off road.
With new transport legislation introduced regularly, the NFU Scotland Agricultural Vehicle helpline allows members to get advice and ask questions on the rules and regulations they must abide to for vehicles, tractors and trailers.
The free advice line will be 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.
In addition to the dedicated phone number, a new email address to make it even easier for farmers to get advice has also been set up, which Mr Smart will also manage.
Speaking about the launch, Jamie said:
"Transportation is at the core of farming. We need to haul inputs onto our farms, use vehicles in everyday farming operations and then get our goods to market. This advice line will help our members to negotiate the legislative minefield that surrounds transport.
"That legislative pressure will only build with the likes of Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) legislation being introduced next year and the consultation for raising the weights of tractors and trailers being launched tomorrow (Thursday).
"This advice line will give reassurance to our members that we are here to help and all they need to do is pick up the phone or send me an email and I can help where I can.
"Over the last few months I have had a surprising number of phone calls even before the helpline has got started. I would expect the number of farmers contacting me to increase once the new helpline has been made public and as new legislation comes into effect." Ends
Notes to Editors
- To contact Jamie Smart for advice on transportation issues, members can phone 07733 136424 or Email: agrivehelp@nfus.org.uk
- A photograph of Jamie Smart is available on request by contacting ruth.mcclean@nfus.org.uk or 0131 472 4108.