Police warn of the dangers of muddy roads after farmer fined following serious collision

Police are reminding farmers and the construction industry to make sure they clear mud from roads following a serious collision which resulted in a farmer being fined.

The two-vehicle collision involving a van and a car left one driver with life changing injuries, and the other with serious injuries.

It was around 8.30pm on Saturday 18 October 2020 when the collision occurred on the A51 in Clutton.

A Vauxhall Corsa had crossed into the opposing carriageway and collided with a Mercedes Sprinter head-on.

On police attendance it was apparent that the road was in a very poor state due to agricultural workings on an adjacent field.

The farmer who was responsible for the mud on the road was given a fine at Chester Magistrates Court in January this year (2022).

PC Iain Condliffe who investigated the collision said:

“We want to highlight the consequences of failing to clear the road of mud that your machinery deposits on the roadway, and the responsibility you have for making sure the roads are clear and safe for other road users.

“This isn’t just isolated to farmers working in their fields - construction machinery can also leave mud on the roads leaving them a hazard for other road users. It is an offence to deposit something on a road that causes danger to other road users. If you are likely to do this due to your type of work it is your responsibility to make sure it is properly cleaned up and adequate warning is provided for other users.”