Drivers face £1,000 fines for leaving mud on road in crackdown

Drivers face brutal £1,000 fines for leaving mud on the roads in a major blow as a crackdown commences. Farmers across the South West of England have been warned they could be fined £1,000 for leaving mud on major A roads.

Somerset Council has issued a warning to households. 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.”

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Under Section 161 of the Highways Act 1980, depositing anything on a highway that endangers or injures users is considered an offence. He added: “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 and use our powers to enforce the law.”

Farmers can be held liable for road damage caused by debris. And fines can be issued of up to £1,000 amid a local authority crackdown, road users and motorists up and down the South of the country have been told this week.

Official council documents explained: “In Somerset, we expect some mud on roads, particularly in areas where farming is a major activity. But it is an offence to leave mud and other material on the road, and people who do so may be liable to prosecution and for the cost of cleaning it up.

“If mud constitutes a danger or obstruction, action may be required to have it removed. Whether any action is taken will depend on how much and where the mud is.”