A WARNING has been issued to farmers after mud on a Herefordshire road forced its closure.

The A4112 was closed in Herefordshire yesterday (October 6) due "to unsafe driving conditions" caused by mud on the road.

The closure came after two bikers came off their motorbikes on the stretch between Kinnersley and Weobley.

Now a West Mercia Police officer has issued a warning to those leaving mud on the roads.

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Police constable Kevin Johns, who is based in Upton-upon-Severn, just over the county border in Worcestershire, said the force has received several reports of mud on roads, and that drivers should appreciate that they are sharing the roads with agricultural vehicles and be aware of the dangers present.

"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," PC Johns said.

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

But, he warned, those leaving mud on the roads can face prosecution. 

Why is mud on the road a problem?

PC Johns said 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 and block drains.

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What does the law say about mud on the road?

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 doing so can lead to prosecution, PC Johns warned.

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What should farmers do if they leave mud on the road?

PC Johns said farmers should try to programme and organise their work to deal with the problem before it occurs by cleaning mud from vehicles before they enter the highway.

"On some occasions if this can’t be avoided it is a farmer or contractor’s duty to ensure this is cleaned," he said.

"In this case it is important to inform the local highway authority to seek advice."