Crime Prevention

MAKING RURAL ROADS SAFER

Introduction

Transporting agricultural machinery from one field to another via public roads is a necessity for most farmers. Whether it involves moving produce during the harvest season or relocating heavy equipment from one field to another, the only way to do this is by road. However, due to their size and slow moving nature, this can be hazardous to both agricultural vehicles and other road users.

Each year, incidents involving tractors and other farm machinery occur on public roads which can cause costly equipment damage, injuries and deaths to all groups of road users. In past years numerous people have been injured in road collisions involving agricultural vehicles in Cheshire.

Statistics have shown the group of road users most at risk from agricultural vehicles to be motorcyclists. In past years motorcyclists have been involved in road collisions resulting in serious injuries and fatalities.

All motorists must take responsibility for ensuring their own and each other's safety were agricultural vehicles are involved.

Advice and the law — Mud on the road
Farmers are responsible for cleaning mud off the road dropped on public roads by their own vehicle and livestock.
Mud can be a significant hazard to other motorists, particularly motorcyclists, and can result in serious, even fatal collisions.

Allowing traffic past when causing a tailback
It is inevitable that slow-moving vehicles will cause a tailback on public roads but it is important for the driver tom pull over and allows traffic to pass at the earliest opportunity.
Frustrated motorists may become impatient and attempt to overtake when it is not safe. They do this at their own risk.

Lights
Lights should be kept clean and in good working order to make sure that other road users can see the intended movements of the vehicle.

Amber warning beacons
Amber warning beacons can be fitted to tractors which are not capable of exceeding 25 mph to alert other motorists to the presence of a slow moving vehicle. Under certain circumstances it may be a legal requirement.

Rural Crime

Whilst Cheshire is a very safe place to live, work and visit there are occasions when unscrupulous people commit crime which are often undertaken when a criminal sees an opportunity.

There are simple measures you can take to reduce risk of becoming a victim of crime which help to keep both you, your family and the rural community safe.

What can I do to prevent myself becoming a victim of crime?

• Lock and deadbolt external doors in your home, outbuildings and gates.
• Use motion sensors and security lighting at night.
• Ensure shrubs and plants are kept trimmed to allow full visibility around your property.
• Visibly mark serial numbers on tools, equipment and vehicles.
• Mark your property using forensic type property products such as Selecta DNA, and use appropriate signage to advertise this.
• Never leave keys in vehicles, agricultural plant or other equipment.
• Ensure your vehicles are locked and secure when not in use. Farm vehicles can be particular vulnerable to theft.
• Keep outdoor storage areas neat and well organised so any theft will be immediately noticed.
• Register your personal items of value on a free on-line database such as www.immobilise.com.

HOW SECURE IS YOU'RE SHED, GARAGE AND GARDEN

Many people take great care when securing their homes but pay little attention to the security of their sheds, garages or outbuildings that are often used to store valuable property.
Ensure your shed is in good condition and would stand up to a security test. If not, take steps to improve it or don't leave valuable items such as lawn mowers, golf clubs and bicycles inside.

Secure your shed