The public are being reminded to be 'patient and careful' on rural roads this summer due to an increase in agricultural vehicles as harvest begins.

Dorset Police's rural crime team is making the plea, stating that farmers are ‘out in force’ and ‘putting in the long hours to feed our nation’.

“We want people to go home safe every evening, to their friends and families, by taking extra care on our Dorset roads.” the team said.

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“Should any dangerous or careless driving be observed, people can report potential traffic offences, along with digital evidence such as dash cam footage.

“We are also taking this opportunity to urge people to report any suspicious activity to the police. We are advising the public to call 999, should any crime in progress be seen, such as illegal poaching."

The team added: “Oh, and on a final note, thank a farmer if you see one.”

NFU Mutual has also urged the public to take extra care as agricultural traffic increases due to the start of this year's harvest.

The rural insurer advised that all rural road users should 'respect' farmers doing their job and 'recognise' the hazards unique to countryside roads.

Their latest data shows that collisions between farm vehicles and third parties were 61% more likely to occur between the start of May and the end of September than in any other months.

Last year, on average, there were 447 of these accidents per month during the silage, hay making, and harvesting season. This signifies a rise of 6% on the same period in 2022, in contrast 276 accidents were reported per month between October and April.

Sara Western, rural road safety specialist at the NFU, is encouraging all road users to remain aware of tractors, trailers, and other agricultural machinery when out on the roads.

She underlines: “Our claims data shows that, year after year, accidents involving these agricultural vehicles and third parties are significantly more likely in the harvesting season.

“Agricultural machinery is larger, wider and slower than other vehicles, which can tempt road users to overtake, but it’s vital to overtake only when it’s safe to do so.

She adds: "Many rural roads won’t have long open stretches, so farmers and contractors should remember to pull over, if possible, to allow built-up traffic to pass."