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EU Considering Proposals To Tighten Rules On Young Tractor Drivers

Tuesday, 28 June 2022 13:43

The changes are being proposed by a European group of agri-contractors.

Proposals to enforce stricter rules on young tractor drivers are being considered by the European Commission.

The European Organisation of Agricultural, Rural and Forestry Contractors is proposing creating a two-tier system, which would limit the speed and weight of the tractor a 16 year old learner permit could drive.

The combined weight of a tractor and trailer would have to be no higher than 20 tonnes.

The European representative group is being supported by the Association of Farm and Forestry Contractors in Ireland.

To graduate from a T1 to a T licence, drivers would have to take a test - but the licence could be used in all EU member states.

It would replace our current W system.

Farming Independent journalist, Moyvore's Claire McCormack says there are other incentives to the proposed changes:

As the proposals - which were submitted last summer - are only being introduced for consideration by the European Commission now, it remains to be seen when Irish farming associations will be consulted or when the new measures might be implemented.

It's part of a wider examination on all transport licences.

It's considered a "politically hot" topic and negotiations are expected to take some time.

According to the Road Safety Authority, 32 per cent of the 268 injury collisions involving agricultural tractors on Irish roads between 2018 and 2021 involved drivers who were 25 years old or younger.

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