The Government is raising the speed limit for tractors from 20mph to 25mph from spring 2015.

Under the changes, the maximum combination weight limit for tractors and trailers will also increase from 24.39 tonnes to 31 tonnes.

The increase in combined weight means bigger tractors can pull trailers without sacrificing cargo to meet the top weight limit of both tractor and trailer. This will maximise the amount of produce transported in each journey.

These changes will also result in farmers having to make fewer journeys on our roads and reduce the risk of accidents.

Tractors allowed to exceed 25mph will continue to be subject to tighter design and regulatory requirements.

The second phase of changes will see a further consideration of increases in weight and speed limits and a roadworthiness test for some agricultural tractors and trailers by summer 2016.

The announcement follows consultations which ran from November 2013 to January 2014.

Existing limits will apply until the first round of changes come into effect in spring 2015.