A road safety charity has announced a partnership with the Tilly Your Trailer campaign to improve the safety of agricultural trailers on UK roads.
TyreSafe said it wanted to reach all road user groups, particularly those operating in rural and agricultural settings, where the risks associated with unsafe tyres and trailer maintenance are heightened.
Farm trailers often travel long distances on public roads – but trailer maintenance standards can vary widely. This partnership aims to bridge the safety gap by promoting proper trailer maintenance and tyre safety within the farming community.
Important step
Road safety experts say the increase presence of farm vehicles on rural roads poses risks not only to agricultural workers but also to other road users, including cyclists, motorcyclists, and motorists.
TyreSafe chairman Stuart Lovatt said: “Our partnership with Tilly Your Trailer marks an important step in ensuring that all road users – including those in rural and agricultural environments – prioritise tyre safety.”
Tilly Your Trailer is a nationally recognised inspection scheme, founded by Jane Gurney following the tragic loss of her son Harry Christian-Allan, in a trailer-related incident which could have been prevented with proper trailer maintenance.
Annual inspection
The initiative provides a structured annual inspection process to ensure that agricultural trailers meet roadworthiness standards. TyreSafe aims to improve awareness and accessibility to vital safety checks within the agricultural community.
The Tilly scheme sees certified technicians conduct an 18-point check, covering crucial components such as lights, tyres, brakes, drawbars, and chassis. Trailers that pass the inspection receive a Tilly Pass certificate, displayed as proof of compliance.
This initiative will work to embed best practices in tyre maintenance, emphasising the importance of regular checks to prevent incidents caused by tyre failures and mechanical defects.
Shared responsibility
Tilly Your Trailer founder Jane Gurney said: “Farm safety doesn’t stop at the field’s edge. Many agricultural trailers travel on public roads, and ensuring they are roadworthy is a responsibility we all share.”
Working with TyreSafe would expand the reach of the initiative, promoting safer roads for farmers and the wider public. TyreSafe and Tilly Your Trailer also provide training and best practice guidance on trailer safety.
For more details about Tilly Your Trailer and how to obtain a Tilly Pass, visit www.tillypass.co.uk. To learn more about TyreSafe, visit www.tyresafe.org.