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

OAP admits stalking woman with emails, posters and letters

Published

10 seconds ago

February 9, 2026

Court Reporter

A HAVERFORDWEST man has admitted stalking a woman by sending repeated unwanted emails, putting up posters and contacting third parties about her.

Michael Lockheart, aged 80, of Daisy Lane, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 9) for sentencing, having previously pleaded guilty to stalking.

The court heard that between July 27 and September 10 last year, Lockheart pursued a course of conduct which amounted to the stalking and harassment against a female.

His behaviour included sending numerous unwanted emails after being told to stop contact, distributing defamatory posters in public places, and sending malicious correspondence to her GP and the local authority.

Lockheart admitted the offence, contrary to Section 2A of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.

Sentencing was adjourned to allow a pre-sentence report to be prepared.

He was granted conditional bail with strict restrictions. He must not contact the complainant directly or indirectly, including through third parties or social media, and must not enter any address where she lives.

Lockheart is due back before magistrates for sentence at 10:00am on Monday, March 9.

Crime

Pensioner back in court over persistent nuisance calls

Published

7 minutes ago

February 9, 2026

Court Reporter

A TEMPLETON pensioner has appeared before magistrates again after admitting repeatedly using the phone network to cause distress and inconvenience.

Ann Gateley, aged 79, of Chapel Hill Lane, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 9) for sentencing, having already pleaded guilty to a communications offence.

The court heard that between November 24 and November 26 last year, at Templeton near Narberth, Gateley persistently made use of a public electronic communications network for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience or needless anxiety to another person.

She admitted the offence, contrary to Section 127 of the Communications Act 2003.

Magistrates adjourned sentencing to a later date and granted conditional bail.

As part of her bail conditions, Gateley must not contact 999 unless there is a genuine emergency.

Gateley is well known to the courts and has appeared on numerous occasions over recent years for similar communications-related matters.

She will return to the magistrates’ court at 10:00am on Tuesday, February 17 for sentencing.

Crime

Man sent to Crown Court over heroin supply and £5,500 cash

Published

11 minutes ago

February 9, 2026

Court Reporter

A MAN with no fixed address has been remanded in custody accused of possessing heroin with intent to supply and holding thousands of pounds in suspected criminal cash.

Kieren Jones, aged 28, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 9).

He is charged with possessing diamorphine, a Class A drug, with intent to supply it to two unknown persons in Carmarthen on Friday (Feb 7), contrary to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

Jones also faces a further allegation under the Proceeds of Crime Act that he acquired, used or possessed criminal property, namely £5,500 in cash, on the same date.

No pleas were entered at the hearing.

Because of the seriousness of the offences, magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the case to the Crown Court.

Bail was refused on the grounds that Jones was likely to offend, interfere with witnesses and fail to surrender to custody.

He was remanded in custody to appear at Swansea Crown Court, The Law Courts, St Helens Road, Swansea, for a plea and trial preparation hearing at 9:00am on Friday, March 13.

The custody time limit expires on August 10.