FARMERS could be prosecuted for allowing mud from their land to fall into the road according to police.

PC Kevin Johns, from the Upton-upon-Severn safer neighbourhood policing team, issued information due to a number of reports in relation to mud on roads.

PC Johns said: "It is an offence under the Highways Act 1980 to allow mud or debris from adjacent land to fall, be washed or carried onto a public road and can lead to prosecution.

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"Mud on the road is the subject of frequent complaints made by the public and is often as a result of mud on tyres during harvest time, animals being herded across a road or mud run-off from fields.

"Excess mud or debris on the roads can cause a danger to cars, motorbikes and cyclists and can drastically change the way a vehicle handles causing skidding, especially in wet conditions. It can also cause localised flooding on the highway/blocked drains.

"It’s important, especially during the spring and towards the end of the summer at harvest time, that motorists are aware of the dangers that may be present as farmers use the roads more."

PC Johns also advised road users to appreciate that agricultural vehicles need to have access to the rural road network.

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He said: "Agriculture is one of our region’s major industries and the use of public roads by agricultural machinery is a necessity for many in the industry.

"The road network is of fundamental importance to this industry but farming activity can have a significant effect on the flow and appearance of our rural roads.

"We appreciate that we live in a rural area and unfortunately mud and agriculture go together but there are things that can be done to avoid any issues.

"Try to programme and organise your work to deal with the problem before it occurs by cleaning mud from vehicles before they enter the highway, this will also include 4x4s, gators and quad bikes.

"If this can’t be avoided, it is a farmer or contractor’s duty to ensure this is cleaned. In this case, it is also important to inform the local highway authority to seek advice."