Farmers and crofters planning for harvest have been advised to apply to Police Scotland now for an agricultural dispensation for wide vehicle movements.

The scheme, which NFU Scotland agreed with Police Scotland following extensive discussions, means that members with wide vehicles can apply for a dispensation to avoid having to notify police for each individual movement.

Abnormal load dispensations are required if a vehicle and implement is over three metres in width and/or projects more than four metres. Farmers and contractors should check the dimensions of their vehicles and implement, and any vehicle which exceeds these dimensions or may exceed them with an implement attached should be included on the dispensation. The application is simple and free of charge.

Farmers or contractors wanting to use this scheme can obtain an application form from Police Scotland, or union members can get it from NFUS by logging into the member’s section of its website and using the form enclosed in the Business Guide, or requesting a form from info@nfus.org.uk. The completed form should be emailed to: OSDAbnormalLoadsScotland@scotland.police.uk

On receipt of this form, if deemed appropriate for a dispensation, Police Scotland will issue a dispensation letter. It is important for recipients to check the details of the dispensation and carry the letter in all vehicles covered by it.

Jamie Smart, who runs NFU Scotland’s transport and vehicles helpline said: “It is important that farmers wishing to move vehicles or implements over three metres combined width, or with a front or rear overhang exceeding four metres, must obtain a dispensation from Police Scotland.

“It is recommended that farmers requiring a dispensation or looking to renew or amend their existing dispensation notices, apply in plenty of time."