FARMERS and workmen whose vehicles leave mud on roads are being reminded they could face action if they do not clear it up.

Over the winter months agricultural and building vehicles are more likely to leave trails of mud in their wake, causing a serious hazard to other road users.

Farmers and vehicle operators who deposit mud on the road are potentially liable for a range of offences and a range of powers are available to the police and the highway authority, primarily under the Highways Act 1980 and the Road Traffic Act 1988.

Following several recent reports of dangerously muddy roads in North Yorkshire, the county council is repeating its guidance for operators of farming and construction vehicles.

The executive member for highways, Cllr Don Mackenzie, said: “Where mud results in personal injury, damage to property, loss or inconvenience, civil action can be taken.

“It can constitute a public nuisance and loss or injury can result in a claim for negligence.”

The council says that farmers or construction vehicle operators must be prepared to hire equipment to promptly remove deposits and keep to their own farm roads whenever possible

They should also remove excess mud before they hit public roads and use authorised warning signs. To report a road call 01609-780780.