Farmers battle bypass tractor ban

The Ulster Farmers’ Union has vowed to continue lobbying the Department for Infrastructure over a decision against the reclassification of a Ballymena bypass.
By The Newsroom
Published 18th Jul 2020, 11:00 BST
Tractors are allowed on dual carriageways such as this one, the A1 in Co Down, where a tractor can be seen crossing through a gap junction between Loughbrickland and Beech HillTractors are allowed on dual carriageways such as this one, the A1 in Co Down, where a tractor can be seen crossing through a gap junction between Loughbrickland and Beech Hill
Tractors are allowed on dual carriageways such as this one, the A1 in Co Down, where a tractor can be seen crossing through a gap junction between Loughbrickland and Beech Hill

The UFU is to appeal the decision by DfI Minister Nichola Mallon not to reclassify a section of motorway as dual carriageway.

It says farmers are being “forced to navigate large machinery on to the fast lane” and through a built-up area when coming from the north.

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In a show of support, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is seeking a meeting with the minister by a cross-party delegation to discuss the issue.

The M2 bypass of Ballymena is a motorway, which means that tractors are not allowed to use itThe M2 bypass of Ballymena is a motorway, which means that tractors are not allowed to use it
The M2 bypass of Ballymena is a motorway, which means that tractors are not allowed to use it

In a letter to the local authority, the UFU says that it has been lobbying for this stretch of the M2 from Teeshan to Larne Road roundabout to be reclassified for four years.

The UFU says that the “prohibition of agricultural vehicles on this section of the road is causing serious distress for farmers and contractors in the Ballymena area who have to take an alternative route through the town centre.”

In a letter to the borough council, the minister for Infrastructure said that officials have carried out traffic surveys on market days to ascertain the number of tractors travelling through Ballymena but observed that the “vast majority” of vehicles in the market car park were lorries and 4×4 vehicles with trailers, both of which are permitted to use the motorway.

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“Officials also consulted with PSNI Road Policing which stated that they would not be supportive of a change in the current status of the road due to safety concerns,” the letter stated.

As a result, the department has said that there are “no immediate plans to reclassify the M2 Ballymena bypass as the case for this change has not yet been clearly established.”

UFU deputy president Victor Chestnutt said: “It is nothing short of unacceptable that agricultural traffic is forced to travel through Ballymena town centre instead of using the most appropriate route, this is causing distress for our farmers.

“The situation was brought to the attention of our members following the prosecution of a farmer last year for driving on the motorway with a tractor and trailer, after leaving the mart.

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“Preventing agricultural vehicles from using the Ballymena bypass and forcing our farmers to endure the intensity of town traffic, is putting public safety at risk.

“It is only a matter of time before a major incident involving an agricultural vehicle becomes an unwanted reality.”

Speaking at a recent meeting of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Ballymena SDLP councillor Eugene Reid reiterated his support for the UFU on the issue.

Bannside DUP councillor Thomas Gordon suggested that the local authority should ask for a meeting with the minister to discuss it further.”

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“Road safety is our number one priority. It is an accident waiting to happen,” he added.

Braid DUP councillor William McCaughey commented; “We will do our best to keep battling for this piece of road to be reclassified.”

The minister has indicated that the development of a new regional strategic transport plan, which will set out priorities for future development of Northern Ireland’s main road and rail network is ongoing, and a draft document will be issued for public consultation.

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Related topics:Ulster Farmers' UnionBallymenaNichola MallonDepartment for Infrastructure