CAMP HILL, PA — The Pennsylvania Farm Bureau (PFB) praised the State Assembly and Senate for passing legislation to update the state vehicle code and resolve a long-standing transportation problem experienced by farmers. The legislation will allow farmers to move over-sized, modern equipment on public roadways from field to field and from barnyard to farmstead.

While newer equipment has enabled farmers to increase productivity, they are wider than vehicles typically used by farmers 30 years ago.

“We are now urging Governor Corbett to sign the legislation,” said PFB President Carl Shaffer.

The Senate bill would increase the width allowance of farm machinery up to 16 feet. The House bill would clarify what agricultural materials can be transported under increased width allowances to include manure. A second House bill would increase from 25 to 50 miles the distance farm equipment and trucks used around the home farm can travel.

“The long overdue changes to the code regulating farm trucks are needed, because farmers are traveling longer distances to deliver agriculture products or to reach businesses that sell farming supplies,” Shaffer said. “Farmers are committed to maintaining safety on Pennsylvania roadways and welcome the opportunity to increase safety measures to further protect drivers and passengers.”