News

NFU Cymru seeks higher tractor speed limits

Published

12 years ago

February 20, 2014

FARMERS have welcomed the opportunity, provided by the Department of Transport, to review the maximum speed limit for tractors on public roads.

At a meeting with Glyn Davies MP, NFU Cymru Montgomeryshire Chairman, Jonathan Wilkinson said:

“The current speed limits for agricultural tractor and trailer combinations have not been reviewed for 27 years. The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, stipulate constructional requirements which limit most agricultural tractors and trailers to a speed limit of 20mph.

“However, over the last 27 years agricultural machinery has increased in horsepower and speed as farming has become increasingly efficient. This increase has also come with other technological improvements which make tractors and trailers inherently safer. Indeed, tractor manufacturers now design and build tractors which are permitted to be used at far higher speed limits in other European member states and having a restrictive speed limit hinders Wales’ farmers’ capability to undertake efficient agricultural transport.”

Jonathan continued, “It’s not just efficient transport though, unnecessary delays add to rural road congestion causing frustration for farmers and other rural road users.

Safety is also compromised, as these delays can cause other road users to undertake risky overtaking manoeuvres.

“The inherent safety of agricultural vehicles has improved over time and the industry has taken measures to improve the mechanical maintenance of tractors and trailers on the road. Tractors are designed to brake at 50% efficiency and their ‘wet’ braking system is far less prone to deterioration than braking systems for other road vehicles.”

Jonathan concluded, “We’ve highlighted to Glyn Davies MP, the reasons why we believe the Government can now safely increase the speed limit to 25mph for all agricultural tractors. We’ve further suggested that for combinations of tractors & trailers where the brakes of the trailer have been tested within a period of one year and they can achieve a braking efficiency of at least 45%, the speed limit for that vehicle could be safely raised to the stated maximum design speed of 50kph.”

Crime

Police probe ball bearing damage in Haverfordwest

Published

4 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are investigating reports of criminal damage in Haverfordwest after suspected metal ball bearings were used to damage a vehicle and a property.

Dyfed-Powys Police said damage was caused to the wing mirror of a blue Range Rover Evoque on Glenfields Road sometime between 11:10am and 11:20am on Sunday, May 10.

Officers believe metal ball bearings may have been used.

A second incident was reported at around 2:30pm on Tuesday, May 12, when the window of a property on Glenfields Road was allegedly struck by a suspected metal ball bearing.

Police said local officers are continuing to speak with residents after receiving a number of calls about ball bearings being found in the Glenfields Road and Old Hakin Road areas.

Anyone who witnessed anything, or who has information that could help the investigation, is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

Quote reference: 26*375605.

Crime

Stolen vehicle investigation after late-night crash in Waterston

Published

6 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A VEHICLE involved in a late-night single-vehicle crash in Waterston, Milford Haven, is believed to have been stolen, police have confirmed.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers received a report of the collision at around 11:55pm on Sunday (May 17).

The vehicle was recovered at approximately 1:15am on Monday (May 18), but nobody was found at the scene.

Following enquiries, police established that the vehicle had reportedly been stolen at some point during Sunday evening.

Officers said enquiries into the incident are ongoing.

News

Labour names Senedd spokesperson team after election defeat

Published

6 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Ken Skates says group will focus on holding new Welsh Government to account

INTERIM Welsh Labour leader Ken Skates has unveiled the party’s Senedd spokesperson team following its defeat in the recent election.

Mr Skates will act as interim leader of Welsh Labour and spokesperson for health, care and national security.

He said the Labour group would draw on “extensive experience” while bringing “fresh energy and ideas” to its work in opposition.

The party said its Senedd group was committed to holding the new Welsh Government to account and pushing for practical results for the people of Wales.

Jayne Bryant MS has been appointed spokesperson for housing, communities, public and preventative health, with women’s health also included in her brief.

Mike Hedges MS will cover culture, sport, local government and legislation.

Vikki Howells MS becomes Chief Whip and spokesperson for environment, farming, energy and transport. Her portfolio also includes planning.

Lynne Neagle MS has been named Business Manager and spokesperson for children, education and lifelong learning.

Shav Taj MS will cover employment, equalities and economic transformation, including social partnership.

Huw Thomas MS has been appointed spokesperson for finance, democracy, citizenship and the Welsh language. Regional and city deals will also fall within his brief.

Welsh Labour said Sarah Murphy’s portfolio will be announced when she returns from maternity leave.

A photo call with the Welsh Labour Senedd Group is due to take place in Cardiff Bay on Tuesday (May 19), although no interviews will be available.