NEW regulations to increase the weight and speed limits of tractors and trailers will take effect from March 9th.

Claire Perry, under secretary of state at the Department of Transport, said from that date a tractor towing an agricultural trailer will be able to travel at a higher combined weight limit of 31 tonnes – up from 24.39t – although the existing trailer limit of 18.29t will remain in place.

Agricultural tractors and trailers, which are currently restricted to travelling at 20mph, will be able to travel at 40km an hour (approximately 25mph).

Mrs Perry said the new regulations better reflected modern machinery and would bring British farmers more in line with their international counterparts.

"We are also considering further increases to speed and weight limits, including to the 18.29t trailer weight limit, to bring further benefits to the industry alongside a road worthiness test for harvest 2016," she said.

Henry Robinson, president of the Country Land and Business Association (CLA), welcomed the announcement. He said: "Tractors are safer and faster than they were when these speed limits were imposed 27 years ago. These changes will make our rural roads safer by reducing the amount of overtaking that takes place.

"We will press Ministers to consider further changes, especially related to the weight limit for heavier trailers. It is time to make sure the law reflects the major advance in technology that has taken place."