Farmers in the UK are to benefit from new government measures to boost tractor weight and speed limits.

The reforms will see the maximum combination weight limit for tractors and trailers increase from 24.39 tonnes to 31 tonnes. In addition, a new speed limit of 25 mph will be established, up from 20 mph. 

Transport minister Claire Perry said the changes would deliver benefits of almost £62 million per year.

An increase in the combined weight will maximise the amount of produce that can be carried in one journey, as it means bigger tractors can pull trailers without sacrificing cargo.

It is hoped that the changes will cut the risk of road accidents by reducing the number of journeys that farmers need to make.

A further consideration of increases in weight and speed limits will form part of the second phase of these changes, while a roadworthiness test for some agricultural tractors and trailers is set to be introduced by summer 2016.