FARMERS and other operators working land face hefty fines if they fail to keep roads clear of mud and debris, highways officials warn

Somerset Council has issued a reminder to operators that it is an offence to leave mud and other material on the road.

And those who do may be liable to prosecution and for the cost of cleaning it up.

As rural county where farming is a major activity and where farmers carry out a lot of important land and vegetation maintenance, it is a common occurrence for mud and debris to end up on the road. The council’s expectation is that all mud and debris is removed immediately when this happens. 

Earlier this year a Somerset farmer was held responsible for landslip resulting from land management issues which had closed a major A road, causing significant disruption. 

Somerset Council successfully recovered costs of £19,000 for the ensuing clear-up which involved a council highways team over several hours. 

Lead member for transport and waste services at Somerset Council, Councillor Richard Wilkins, said: “We are grateful for the vital work local farmers do throughout the year - trimming hedges and ensuring road safety during winter with snow ploughing.

“But there is a minority who fail to clear up when run-off occurs or when mud is left by vehicles working on nearby fields. 

“This is highly dangerous for the road-using public – in some cases it has happened on fast, major routes and drivers may not spot it until it’s too late. 

“Please ensure any mud or debris is removed from the road – as we have demonstrated, we will come after those who fail to do so.” 

The council states it is “responsible for ensuring that any soil washed onto the highway that is likely to represent a danger to highway users is removed” and, where possible it recharge the costs to the landowner if it is down to negligence.

Anybody who spots mud on the road or another problem can report them quickly and easily at this website: https://service.somerset.gov.uk/report-a-problem-on-the-road/?issue=MUD&serviceCode=HRI.