RSA Launches Videos on Standards for Agricultural Vehicles

Standards for Agricultural Vehicles come into effect on 1 January 2016

22 September 2015: As the first day of the 2015 National Ploughing Championships kicked off in Ratheniska, Co Laois today, NPA Managing Director Anna May McHugh was on hand to assist the Road Safety Authority (RSA) to launch a series of videos outlining the revised standards for agricultural vehicles. The standards, which were announced last year, will apply to both new and existing vehicles from 1 January 2016.

The videos have been produced in association with the Farm Tractor and Machinery Trade Association (FTMTA) and outline the key changes to the standards in the areas of Braking; Lighting and Visibility; Weights, Dimensions and Coupling; and Plating and Speed Rating. The current standards have been in place for over 50 years and do not reflect the design capabilities of modern agricultural vehicles or their use by farmers and agricultural contractors. The videos bring to life the content of the RSA’s booklet, ‘Revised Standards for Agricultural Vehicles’ which was launched at last year’s Ploughing Championships.

Speaking at the launch, Denise Barry, RSA Director of Vehicle Standards and Enforcement said:

“These videos will help to explain the revised standards clearly, outlining where the key changes are as well as what is now required in terms of compliance. The introduction of these revised standards is a significant development for the agricultural industry and road safety. Therefore the RSA is keen to ensure that everyone working in the agricultural industry has access to clear information on how the revised standards will impact their vehicles and work. I would encourage anyone who is working in this area to have a look at the videos which are available on the RSA’s YouTube page and get up to speed on what is required from 1 January 2016.”

Mr Gary Ryan, CEO of the FTMTA said:

“The FTMTA is delighted to have been involved in the making of these videos with the RSA. The majority of correctly maintained tractors already in use comply with the revised standards. However due to varying construction standards, some trailers may need remedial work carried out to them to achieve compliance, particularly if operating at speeds greater than 40 km/hr or at weights greater than 19 tonnes. For all other owners and operators of agricultural vehicles, these videos will help to ensure they are clear on their obligations when the revised standards come into effect next year.”

The videos will be shown on a big screen at the RSA Stand at this week’s Ploughing Championships. The stand is located at Block 1, Row 22, Stand 378. They are also available to view on the RSA’s YouTube page, www.youtube.com/RSAIreland. The accompanying booklet ‘Revised Standards for Agricultural Vehicles’, on which the videos are based, is available to download from the RSA website.

The RSA has also released a new booklet entitled ‘Road safety advice and driver licensing rules for drawing light trailers’. It contains practical advice and guidance and is an essential reference for those involved in towing light trailers such as horse boxes and livestock trailers etc. It is accompanied by a series of short information videos which are available to view on the RSA’s YouTube page – www.youtube.com/rsaireland Hard copies of this booklet will be distributed from the RSA Stand over the duration of the event; and the RSA is encouraging anybody who regularly draws a horse box or livestock trailer with their car, van or 4X4 to stop by and pick up a copy. RSA experts will also be on hand to answer queries.

Allied Driving Instructors recommends the intensive driving course for skilled, young, farming drivers who need to complete their Essential Driver Training.

Categories: RSA Press Release Uncategorized