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Ask the MAC
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With Ray Marshall, Manager – Compliance Information.
Q) Can a ride-on mower that has been registered with the DVLA and has number plates use a public footpath to gain access for mowing grass and then move onto the next area, and also use a cycle lane?
A) Within the Road Traffic Act 1988 Section 34, this states the prohibition of driving mechanically propelled vehicles elsewhere than on roads; however when you go to section 189 of the same legislation, this highlights that ride-on mowers are not to be treated as motor vehicles, and therefore our interpretation would be that as the mower has been given lawful authority to drive on a footpath, bridleway or restricted byway, and is not treated as motor vehicles then by definition they are allowed to do this.
However, we would recommend that the distance travelled is kept to a minimum and that full risk assessments are carried out prior to driving on footpaths. Allowances must be made to members of the public who may be using the same path and the driver should remain courteous at all times.
You would also need to ensure that the driver of the mower has the relevant licence for its use.
Q) During recent driver training it has come to light that not all members of our Grounds team can drive all the vehicles available to them, particularly the ride-on mowers.
The seat belt is too short to be used by some members of staff as it is too tight when fitted correctly.
I am looking for advice on the legality of sourcing and using seat belt extensions, to be used only where required.
A) The use of seat belt extenders is allowed, and they would fall under the same regulations as a seat belt or supplementary restraint system, and therefore must meet either British or European standards, or equivalents as set out in Regulation 47 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986. They must be approved for use in the relevant type of vehicle and must display an approval mark which will normally be an ‘e’ or ‘E’ followed by a number, or a BS ‘kitemark.be They must also be type approved and meet manufacturers requirements and recommendations.
You should do a risk assessment and document this, and check that the seat of the vehicle does not have a maximum carrying capacity that may affect its full function.
Other things to consider would be the insurance and if it allows you to have what is essentially a modification fitted to the vehicle, and if a vehicle is presented for annual test that the seat belt extender is included to ensure it still meets the recommended safety requirements.
You will find that certain manufacturers of vehicles will only endorse and recommend the use of their own seat belt extenders and not aftermarket extenders bought elsewhere.
You should also ensure that regular checks are carried out on any seat belt extender as these are portable, they are more prone to damage, and this could reduce the effectiveness of its function in an accident. Things to check are as follows:
Published On: 01/05/2025 15:00:00
