Alan Gilbert, Gilberts’ Orchard, Quinagh, Co Carlow

DEAR SIR: I refer to the exception granted for over-the-height loads of hay and straw when Leo Varadkar was responsible for road safety. This was in response to lobbying by the IFA.

The normal height limit is 4.65m.

On 27 November 2014, traffic corps and emergency services were in attendance when a white Volvo lorry, using a high-platform trailer, loaded with 4x4 bales was stuck at a motorway bridge just north of junction 10 on the Naas bypass.

Fortunately the load stayed in place, however, had it fallen, a serious incident could have ensued on this section of a busy motorway.

I would like to respectfully point out that I wrote to the Irish Farmers Journal on 29 September 2013, pointing out the dangers of using high-platform trailers for the transport of hay and straw. I can’t understand why the IFA, which presides over an industry which has a deplorable safety record, is using political lobbying to obtain an exception, which will put the general motoring public at risk.

Step-frame and low-platform trailers can be used to carry full loads of straw safely, which is my policy as a straw dealer.

I am a fully paid up member of the IFA.