Norfolk villagers have complained to police about the speed of tractors being driven in rural residential areas.

The busy harvest season brings larger numbers of agricultural machinery onto the roads - and usually the slow-moving vehicles are blamed for holding up traffic.

But two parish councils have complained to Norfolk police that tractors are being driven too fast.

The constabulary's Operation Randall rural crime team said: "We would like to remind all tractor drivers they must abide by the Road Traffic Act and Highway Code.

"Most tractors are unable to reach high speeds but even at lower speeds it’s important that you drive to the conditions and be able to break within the distance you can see.

"If the tractor is fitted with the correct braking system and can go above the ‘normal’ tractor speeds, they must be driven to the road conditions and again able to brake safely in the distance you are able to see, and must stick to the speed limits.

READ MORE: Farm vehicles blamed for poor state of Norfolk roads

"Tractor drivers are also not exempt from being prosecuted for driving while using a mobile device - this is something that is sadly seen all too regularly and is not acceptable."

Rural crime officer PC Chris Shelley added: "We don't see a greater number of machines which are capable of faster speeds, but I think when people see tractors going through built-up areas there is a perception they are going quicker, because of their size and there are more on the roads at this time of year."

Norfolk police also issued a "polite reminder" for other road users to be patient when driving behind a tractor.

"Taking unnecessary risks could result in fatal consequences," it said.

"Remember being stuck behind a slow-moving agricultural machine for two miles is the equivalent to being stopped at two red traffic lights."