Norfolk: Sugar beet falls from lorry damaging a car
23rd October 2024
Sugar beet fell from a lorry, damaging a car in a Norfolk village. The incident happened on Tuesday morning, 22nd October, near Lingwood, located approximately eight miles east of Norwich.
The car was driving along Blofield Road when the beet fell from the lorry near the turn-off to Heater Lane, damaging the car, local media reported.
Norfolk farmers had advised local residents that they would be loading their crops onto lorries that morning and apologised in advance for any disruption to road users.
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Prioritise safety
Together they have created a trusted source of shared information covering all aspects of safe towing, giving farmers and contractors a clear understanding of essential requirements for operators and users to develop an up-to-date on-farm ‘safety portfolio’.
Members of the group shared some advice on safely transporting root crops this season.
Andrew Chalk, rural road safety specialist at NFU Mutual, said it is important for people to respect rural roads for the agricultural industry – but farmers and contractors also “need to respect the right of other people to enjoy the countryside safely”.
British Sugar, which is part of the Root to Success campaign, added that it prioritises safety throughout its operations and supply chain, from farm to factory.
READ MORE: BCN sugar beet seed still available for 2025 amid concerns
Make sure you are up-to-date with requirements
A trailer safety campaigner and founder of The Tilly Pass, Jane Gurney, told Farmers Guide that it is of the utmost importance that farmers and contractors are aware of and act on their legal requirements during the autumn carting season.
“Many trailers are being submitted for inspection, service and certification, but still this leaves us with trailers of varying ages that are not being presented for an annual inspection in accordance with the HSE Regulation 5.
“Our latest statistics come from the farmers who are being proactive, the ones that are submitting their trailers for an inspection. So, what is happening to the remaining seen working on and off the farm?”
The safety expert added that a healthy maintenance program should never be seen as an option when owning or operating machinery.
“We also see a lack of training when operating an agricultural or indeed any size trailer between the ring-fenced farm and highway. The point of compliance means we can all prosper from each other’s safety.
“When it comes to load security, straps must be in good condition – not worn or frayed. They must be sufficiently rated to the weight of the load, and lashing straps should be used to secure loads rather than ropes unless they are demonstrably rated.
“To follow best practice, all loose loads should be sheeted to prevent loads from bouncing or blowing out – whatever the type of trailer you use.
“You must check your load is secure every time you take your trailer out whether for a short or a long journey.”
READ MORE: Transporting sugar beet safely – guidance on the rules
Find more advice on The Tilly Pass website.
Read more sugar beet news.
