The tradition of students driving farm tractors to school on the last day of class is coming to an end in one Beaver County community.

Freedom Area High School students from farming areas have been driving tractors on the last day of classes for more than a decade, perhaps several decades, students said.

But this year, New Sewickley police said they will issue citations to anyone who tries it. Using tractors as transportation is illegal, according to police Chief John Daley, and he said police want to ensure the safety of students and motorists.

Student T.J. Helch said families along the route wave and police have even escorted the tractor drivers in the past.

Chief Daley said the department has gotten complaints.

Some 15 to 20 tractors toting several dozen students usually participate, students said.