Farmers in Scotland who operate with abnormal or wide loads will now be able to use a new dedicated single point of contact.

Earlier this year, following work with NFU Scotland, Police Scotland announced a new nationwide agricultural dispensation for farmers to make it easier and less time-consuming to register wide and abnormal loads.

Since the nationwide dispensation system was introduced in March, NFU Scotland has continued its work with Police Scotland to develop a streamlined process for notification. An increasing number of NFU Scotland members have opted to utilise this standardised approach.

Today (2 November) Police Scotland has further simplified the scheme, with the launch of a new dedicated single point of contact for applicants.  Police Scotland will pick up applications through this system, and issue dispensations lasting up to one year in duration accordingly.  Police Scotland does retain the ability to offer a shorter duration, or place limitations on movements at its discretion.

Gemma Thomson, Legal and Technical Policy Manager at NFU Scotland commented: “It is very encouraging that we are now able to point our members to the new dedicated contact. We encourage all of our members to ensure that they are aware of the requirements of wide vehicle movements, and have notified accordingly.

“NFU Scotland is working with Police Scotland on a number of ongoing issues, and this is a good example of where partnership working has once again resulted in a positive outcome.”

The Abnormal Loads Administration team can be contacted by emailing AbnormalLoadsScotland@scotland.pnn.police.uk, by mail to Fife Division HQ, Detroit Road, Glenrothes, KY6 2RJ, or by calling 101.

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Contact Ruth McClean on 0131 472 4108