Scottish farmers and crofters are being reminded to apply for an agricultural dispensation from Police Scotland for wide vehicle movements ahead of harvest time.
Anyone intending to move an abnormal load throughout Scotland has a legal obligation to notify the Chief Officer of Police Scotland.
An abnormal load is any load that cannot be broken down into smaller loads for transport without undue expense or risk of damage.
Police notification is required if a vehicle, or implement, is over 3m in width and is travelling more than five miles, or travelling on any road with a speed limit of less than 40mph.
Last year, the NFU Scotland agreed with Police Scotland that the scheme would mean that members with wide vehicles can apply for the dispensation to avoid having to notify police for each individual movement.
If Police Scotland are happy with an application, it will issue a dispensation letter.
Jamie Smart, Legal and Technical Committee Chairman, commented: "It is vital that ahead of the busy harvest season NFU Scotland members ensure that if they require a dispensation, they have applied for this and had this returned from Police Scotland.
"The Union has worked hard to put this in place for farmers and crofters over the last 18 months, and it is of benefit to save those carrying out wide vehicle movements time and effort in applying for a dispensation.
"The dispensation document should be carried in vehicles pertaining to it, and produced in the event that the vehicle is stopped by Police Scotland."
