Tractors of Light event has been cancelled - but there is still lots going on!

Tractors of Light has been cancelled after police tell organisers that they "do not support the event".  

The Tractors of Light event has been cancelled, with organisers saying that they couldn't continue without the support of the police. But other events taking place that day will still go ahead. 

Alan Depledge, president of the River Dart Rotary Club, has said they had no choice but cancel the event after Devon and Cornwall Police told them they did not support the event. 

Alan explained: "We started organising this event in the summer and we informed the police, let them know the route and they said it looked good. We filled in all the forms and got the licences. 

"This event took a lot of planning and we spent a lot of money on promotion and printing banners. Its just such a shame. 

"We had a safety advisory meeting with the police and South Hams District Council on Friday to check everything off. We were then told that Devon and Cornwall Police did not support the event. We asked if they could stop us holding it and they said no, but as the meeting went on it became clear that we couldn't continue with the event. 

"Although the police didn't say that the event couldn't go ahead, they explained that if anything had gone wrong, the first question that would have been asked would be 'why did you go ahead with an event that was not supported by the police?' and that could have affected our insurance and liability.

"They also explained that tractors travelling on the highway with LED lights were in breach of traffic regulations and therefore would void the owner's insurance too. 

"They did explain it would be easier if we applied for a temporary event notice and closed the road, but that needed 12 weeks notice. 

"It was strong advice to not go ahead. 

"Everyone is disappointed and we were raising money for the Farmers' Mental Health charity, RABI, so its not money in our own pockets." 

We contacted Devon and Cornwall Police and asked about this situation. 

We asked if events not supported by the police voided any insurance for the event. A spokesperson said: "Guidance given for events of this nature includes that drivers of vehicles taking part need to ensure their insurance providers were happy to cover the activities being undertaken. This is also the case for Public Liability Insurance. In the event of an incident occurring, where the activity was not covered by insurance, an insurance company may limit cover or void it.

"Police discourage events on the highway for safety reasons. We also stress that all vehicles taking part must comply with road traffic regulations along with authorised traffic management."

The spokesperson was also "unable to confirm" if police were aware of the event since the summer and didn't raise any concerns before last Friday. 

When asked whether tractors travelling on the highway with LED lights would break traffic regulations. The police spokesperson said: "Yes, this is true. Any motor vehicles, tractors or otherwise, with non obligatory lights such as multi-coloured Christmas lights, moving or flashing lights (other than amber beacons or indicators), showing a white light to the rear or a red light to the front or flashing green, blue, or red light will not comply with Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations 1989."

When asked why the need for a road closure wasn't advised earlier, the spokesperson said: "A query was raised about the possibility of a road closure. In the absence of a Highways officer from the local authority, it was explained that temporary traffic order for road closures is not the responsibility nor authorised by Police.

"Devon Highways are responsible for reviewing TTRO applications and authorising a road closure for an event. That process needed to be done at least 12 weeks prior. Therefore Police are unable to comment on why the local authority did not make this requirement clear sooner."

Comments surrounding the cancellation of the event have made connections between this and recent farming protests over the changes to inheritance tax rules. We asked about any connection and the police spokesperson said: "Guidance and advice from police in relation this event have nothing to do with recent protests or any taxation rules. 

"Any advice and information given in respect to this event is based on facts around the risks associated with vehicle-based processions (carnivals) on a live highway. All relevant advice around breaches of road traffic legislation and risk associated with traffic management are given to all events of this nature."  

The Tractors of Light was part of a day of events and fun to take place in Dartmouth on Saturday, 14 December, and the other events are still taking place, so get yourself down to the Market Square for the raffle with a £1,000 Christmas hamper up for grabs, market stalls, cider tent, music and more on Saturday. 

You can find out more about RABI, the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution, who offer one-to-one, expert support, advice and guidance, tailored to every unique circumstance in the farming community on their website RABI - The leading UK farming charity. They also have a 24/7 freephone helpline on 0800 188 4444.